Two RNLI Lifeguards recently worked together with the independent lifeboat to rescue a small boat drifting towards rocks at Hope Cove.

Senior RNLI lifeguard Tom Morris and RNLI lifeguard Georgie Longbottom were on duty on Tuesday, July 25 when they noticed the sailing boat in trouble with two people onboard at approximately 1.30pm.

After spotting the pair, Georgie decided to paddle out to check on them and found out they had snapped their rudder so were unable to sail to safety. She helped them hold their position, advising them on how and where to try to paddle to stop them from hitting the rocks.

Senior lifeguard Tom Morris radioed the coastguard, requesting help from the independent lifeboat based at Hope Cove, of which Georgie is a trainee crew member.

The sailing boat was unable to make headway against the wind and swell, and was in close danger of being washed into the rocks. Due to the danger, Georgie prepared to take the two people on board to get them off the boat as it was too close to the rocks. Fortunately this was when the Hope Cove independent lifeboat arrived on scene, and they were able to throw a line and tow the boat away from the rocks back to safety.

Kate Doison, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, said: “Georgie used her combined RNLI lifeguard skills and those she is learning with the Hope Cove lifeboat as a trainee to ensure the safety of the two people as well as the sailing boat. This was a great outcome made possible by the excellent joined up work of the two services.”