11 RNLI Lifeguards from north Cornwall celebrated RNLI lifeguard week last night (1 August) by paddling the length of the Camel Estuary from Wadebridge to Padstow on their rescue boards.

 After a long day patrolling the beaches of north Cornwall, the RNLI lifeguards began the 5.5 mile paddle from Wadebridge to Padstow on their rescue boards at 7pm, with the early evening sun sinking lower in the sky. Safety cover was provided along the route by the Rock D class lifeboat and two lifeguard inshore rescue boats (IRB).

 RNLI lifeguard Adam Hadland who patrols Treyarnon Bay came in first, completing the paddle in 1 hour exactly;

 ‘The paddle was pretty tough as we had the wind and tide against us, and it was a fair old distance, but I really enjoyed myself. I was representing the Treyarnon lifeguards, so I was over the moon to win!

 The RNLI relies on voluntary donations to fund the training and equipment the lifeguards need, so its great to be able to put something back into the charity, and particularly as its during RNLI lifeguard week.’

 The Ship Inn, in Padstow laid on sandwiches and refreshments for the lifeguards and their supporters after the race, and JB from Trathens Taxis provided a coach to take the lifeguards back to Wadebridge.