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.

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”.