RNLI lifeguards are urging Boardmasters festivalgoers to stay safe when visiting the town’s beaches during the five-day event.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to descend on Fistral Beach, Newquay Bay and Watergate Bay.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Andy Thomas said: “With Boardmasters Festival we are preparing for a very busy week.

“Much like every year, we will be pulling in resources, equipment and lifeguards to support us here in Newquay. Laster year, our lifeguards in Newquay saved three lives and performed more than 100 rescues over the Boardmasters weekend.

“We would like to urge beachgoers to choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. Rip currents can occur very suddenly, and staying within the designated swimming area means our lifeguards can keep you safe.’

The RNLI have had a busy spell at Newquay’s beaches area over the last week ahead of Boardmasters.

A RNLI lifeguard at Fistral Beach saved the life of a swimmer after they had been dragged out by a sudden rip current on Sunday, August 3.

The incident occurred towards the edge of the red and yellow flagged area, where a sudden flash rip current formed, dragging the casualty out. RNLI Lifeguard Niamh McCabe responded immediately, grabbing a rescue board and paddling out to assist.

The swimmer was intermittently submerged under the water and calling out for help when the lifeguard reached them.

Thanks to the quick actions of Niamh, the swimmer was safely returned to the beach, where casualty care was carried out by the lifeguard team.

The rescue is considered to have been a ‘life saved’, meaning the casualty almost certainly would have drowned without lifeguard intervention.

Mr Thomas said: “This type of rescue demonstrates just how quickly conditions can change.

“Our teams are highly trained and prepared to respond quickly. We have had a very busy summer so far on our Newquay beaches, and we only expect this to continue for the rest of the summer holiday period.”