High swells land kite surfer in difficulty
A KITE surfer has been rescued by off duty lifeguards after he landed badly in shallow water on Perranporth beach.
The man, from Perranporth, was seen crashing into the shallows near Chapel Rock, just off Perranporth beach by passers-by who raised the alarm at lunch time today.
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The casualty is carried on a stretcher to the waiting helicopter to be taken to Treliske
He was dragged from the water face down and was unconscious but RNLI lifeguard supervisor Martyn Ward and lifeguard Deshko Matthews, who had been closing down the beach, were quickly at the scene.
Mr Ward said: “We received a call from the Coastguard but when we reached the casualty he was unconscious.
“His head was being held out of the water by a gentleman called Sean Jarvis from St Agnes, with his kite flaying behind him.
“He was struggling to breath and in waist-deep water, which was surging around us, so it was essential we got him onto the beach where we could give him oxygen therapy or CPR if needed.”
The three men lifted him out of the water and onto the beach where Mr Matthews administered oxygen therapy and just as he was preparing to do CPR the casualty took a gasp of air and started breathing by himself.
When rescue helicopter 193 from RAF Culdrose arrived the casualty was put on a spinal board and airlifted to Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, with minor neck and back injuries.
Mr Ward added: “The casualty was very lucky that we were around and carrying the appropriate first aid equipment so that he could get immediate treatment for his injuries.
“Conditions were pretty rough, with a force six wind blowing.
“Water-users should take into consideration that the RNLI lifeguards have now finished their patrols on all beaches across the South West, and if you spot anyone in difficulty you should dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.”
Ivor Thomso,n of St Agnes Coastguard, said they arrived quickly and assisted in getting the man on to dry sand promptly, which was vital as the tide was coming in.
Eye witness Phil Maynard, who manages the Youth Hostel Association premises at Droskyn Point, just above the beach, said: “I was having lunch in the hostel and I had seen the kite surfer earlier on.
“The conditions were bad with high swells and as I looked out of the window I saw the kite surfer being dragged towards the life guard van.”
Local councillor David Nancarrow had been in the area and spoke to other witnesses who told him they had seen the kite surfer’s gear “collapse”.
7 Comments
by Nigel, Kent
Tuesday, January 05 2010, 11:20PM
“I have the highest regard for the lifeguards in Perranporth as they saved me many years ago been pulled out to sea while on holiday with my family.”
by jayne cartwright, taunton somerset
Thursday, November 05 2009, 1:10PM
“I am pleased this has a happy ending, How lucky Sean Jarvis was walking the dog & ran into the sea and got to him and how lucky Martin Ward happened to be on the beach.
Proud to know Martin and proud of my now favourite brother in law.”
by Mrs Hutton, Mount hawke
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 4:27PM
“I am very glad to read that Mr Mullen is ok and out of hospital, and wish him a speedy recovery from this ordeal. I would like to say a big well done to all the local heroes, who work very hard to keep our beaches safe and i am very proud of my son in law Sean Jarvis ,who was first on the scene to rescue Mr Mullen, whilst he was out walking his dog bruno.”
by Mark James Mullen, Perranporth
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 12:15PM
“Hi and thanks to all the off duty lifeguards,RAF culdrose and the members of the public.
I was kiting well within my confort zone and do not have any idear what went wrong? I will be looking to find a reason for this,but mostly i am glad people were there to help.
THANK YOU.
MJM.”
by Ann, Perranporth
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 7:31AM
“I wish to thank all those involved in my husbands' rescue. He is ok, barr a few bruises, and possible chest infection.
We expect he will be released from hospital today.
Thank you too, to all our friends and local kitesurfers who have supported us through this difficult time.
No activity is without its own set of risks, and it is reassuring to know that the help is there if needed. Ironically, one of the paramedics that helped my husband yesterday, also helped me a month or so ago, which subsequently saved my life too - sometimes things just happen, despite our best efforts to control our environment. A special thank you to you. You know who you are!!”
by Craig Smith, Perranporth
Tuesday, November 03 2009, 10:03PM
“Yes we are all very glad the our local cheeky chap of the beach is in good hands. I would also like to say a massive thank you to the rapid response from the lifeguards and members of the public..if it wasn't for you guys it could of been alot worse! I'm sure there will be an update later on when we know how he is.
Thanks again
Craig Smith”
by Rory Jenkins, Perranporth
Tuesday, November 03 2009, 6:36PM
“I know the kitesurfer. He's an experienced local Perranporth kitesurfer, who was kitesurfing within his ability. Given the witnesses seeing his kite equipment collapse, we hope that we can find out the cause. The latest from his wife and friends is that he's had nothing but amazing, without a doubt life saving action from all involved. He's now talking and undergoing tests and observation at the Royal Cornwall Hospital. A MASSIVE thanks to all involved. The sea is one of our local playgrounds, but not without it's dangers, that we all look to minimise.”