Two people rescued in Cornwall after being cut off by the tide

 
Two people have been rescued from the water this afternoon(Thursday10 March 2016) after being cut off by the tide at Black Rock, Crackington Haven, Cornwall.
  
The UK Coastguard was contacted just after 3.30pm this afternoon by member of the public who said that they were one of four people who had been cut off by the tide.  Two of the group managed to swim ashore and raise the alarm that two people were still stuck on the rocks.  The Bude Coastguard Rescue Team and the Bude RNLI Lifeboat were sent to the scene along with the UK Coastguard search and rescue helicopter based at Newquay.
 
One person was washed off the rocks by the waves and the other was clinging onto the rocks. One lifeboat crew member, who had managed to get onto the rocks to support the casualties, entered the water to secure the casualty until winched into the helicopter and then returned to the Bude Lifeboat. Once both casualties were on board the helicopter they were brought ashore where they were met by the waiting Coastguard Rescue Team.  James Instance, UK Coastguard said: ‘These two people were very lucky this afternoon.  They were in a precarious position and the force of the waves actually knocked one of them off the rocks and into the water.  Their friends did the right thing by calling the UK Coastguard when they realised they had got into trouble. 
 
‘Remember to always check the weather and tidal conditions before you set out so that you can prepare accordingly.  At sea changes in tidal streams could make conditions worse, particularly if the wind and tide are against each other. Consider whether you could become cut off by the incoming tide, above all do not take risks.  Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
 
 
 

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