PENLEE RNLI was tasked to assist a swimmer in difficulty on Long Rock beach, near Penzance, on Thursday, November 6.

Tasked by Falmouth Coastguard at 8am, they launched inshore lifeboat the Mollie and Ivor Dent with Amy Smith at the helm and RNLI volunteer lifeboatman Finley McReath.

The lifeboat raced at top speed to find a man in the surf supporting the casualty, a woman who had been in difficulty. Both were taken aboard the lifeboat and rushed to Penlee Lifeboat Station in Newlyn.

The man who had been walking the beach and waded in to help the casualty needed no further treatment but the casualty, who had been lapsing in and out of consciousness, was treated by ambulance crew at the Station before being taken to hospital.

Amy said: “There is no doubt the man’s actions has saved the life of the casualty.”

Penzance Coastguard Cliff Rescue Team were also on scene and the Coastguard helicopter was called to assist.