14/08/2026
Alongside Portscatho Coastguard Rescue Team, we were paged at 1346 on Wednesday, along with Falmouth Lifeboat, Rescue 924 the Coastguard helicopter and land ambulances to a report of two people in the water at West Portholland.
Two people swimming in fairly rough conditions were caught in a rip current and swept onto rocks at the side of the beach. They had been helped ashore by other beach users with a life ring.
Rescue 924 was first on scene, after a quick check to ensure there was no one else in the water, they winched down the paramedic to start a casualty assessment. One person was just a little shaken. The other had been in the water for around 30mins, but thankfully had minor injuries.
Both were transferred to a land ambulance and taken for further treatment and checks.
If you see someone in trouble in the water dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. For persons in the water, we will move heaven and earth to respond as quickly as possible and throw every available asset at the incident.
A timely reminder to take care in the water, know your limits and always check local safety signage.
Thankfully both persons lived to tell the tale but this could so easily have gone the other way. The sea does not often give second chances.
Our Coastguard volunteers are on call 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies on the coast.
Falmouth Lifeboat
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Portscatho Coastguard Rescue Team