Bright Pink Float And Hat Saves Woman Swimmer Swept Out To Sea Off Cornish Coast

A woman has been rescued off the Cornish coast after being swept out to sea and identified thanks to her bright pink float and hat.

The incident took place at Little Fistral beach in Newquay in Cornwall on the afternoon of Saturday, 6th November.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency shared footage of the rescue on social media with the message: “A swimmer who was swept out to sea at Little Fistral beach in Cornwall has been rescued after being spotted from the shore.

“The woman, who had a pink float and a pink hat, was easily seen by the caller who rang 999 and asked for the coastguard.

“Newquay and Padstow coastguard rescue teams were sent along with both Newquay RNLI lifeboats and the coastguard helicopter from Newquay.”

Matt Rogers, team leader with HM Coastguard, said: “This swimmer had done a considerable amount to give herself a chance of being rescued if things went wrong.

“She not only had a float that was a bright pink colour but was wearing a hat of the same colour too.

“It meant our caller could help give us information that enabled the swimmer to be rescued quickly.

“It’s a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong even for the most experienced and why you should do all you can to help us help you if the worst happens.”

Maritime and Coastguard Agency/CZ/Lee Bullen