A TEAM of off duty RNLI lifeguards saved the life of a woman surfer who became trapped in strong currents off Bantham beach.

RNLI lifeguard supervisors Jason Jackson and Paul Gunning were at the Bantham Surf Lifesaving Club preparing for surf rescue training with a group of volunteers when kite surfer James Timmis, who is also a volunteer lifeguard for the RNLI, reported that two women were in trouble near the mouth of the River Avon.

Mr Gunning said: 'Jason and I got ready to launch the RNLI inshore rescue boat while the volunteers worked as a team to get to the scene with rescue boards as well as keep a lookout and maintain emergency communications.

'The two women had gone to the beach to try out a new surfboard when the challenging conditions with a wind of force six and a 4-6ft onshore surf, caught them out.

'One managed to get to the shallows on the surfboard and call to James to raise the alarm.

'The volunteers were able to find the casualty and support her with the rescue boards until we arrived and transferred her into the inshore rescue boat.

'When we got to the shore the lady was very weak, had swallowed a lot of water and was losing consciousness, so we called for an ambulance.

'We continued to provide casualty care until she was well enough to be transported in the lifeguard truck the short distance to the Surf Lifesaving Club.'