RNLI lifeguards patrolling Mawgan Porth beach rescued a swimmer caught in a strong rip current in powerful surf.

The swimmer became overcome by the swell and dragged quickly out of his depth by the strong current after entering the water between the red and yellow flags on Wednesday, June 25.

RNLI lifeguard Nick Hooper was on duty on the water's edge and reacted quickly on the rescue board. He reached the man quickly but he was caught in the impact zone and exhausted by the breaking waves.

Mr Hooper and the swimmer continued to be dragged out by the rip current as the crashing waves made it difficult to get the man onto the rescue board. The lifeguard paused to reassure the swimmer that he was safe, and slowly recover his breath before requesting back up from his colleagues.

RNLI lifeguard Riley Mee launched the rescue water craft and navigated the breaking surf to reach Mr Hooper and the man who was helped onto the sled at the back of the rescue water craft. He was taken back safely into the beach.

The casualty returned two days later to thank the team and said without Mr Hooper’s help, ‘I would have been gone.’

RNLI lifeguards are urging water users to take note of the conditions and safety messages before entering the water following the incident.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Mark Priem said: We’ve had some tricky conditions on the north coast, with a large swell and big tides creating lots of water movement and those less confident in the water can easily be caught out.

“Thankfully the swimmer was at a lifeguarded beach, and between the red and yellow flags and lifeguard Nick Hooper was able to see the situation and react quickly.”