Extended lifeguard season saves the dayBeach lifeguards at Perranporth were surprised to see a horse and rider galloping up to them on the afternoon of 26 October 2003 Two horse riders had been enjoying a sunny autumn day on Perran Sands beach when one fell off and was badly injured. Her friend phoned the Coastguard on 999 and raced on her horse to get help.

The lifeguards at Perranporth base, under the instruction of Carrick Supervisor Andy Thomas, reacted quickly. Drustan Ward and Darren Earl collected medical equipment with Andy and ran to the scene, accompanied by Tom Rees, a surf life saving club volunteer. The incoming tide meant there was no vehicle access but they ran the 2km in good time, reaching the injured woman in just over 10 minutes.

The four lifeguards found the casualty lying on her side near the water's edge. She was clearly in a lot of pain. The lifeguards worked together to treat and reassure her.

As part of their training, they had learnt to look out for possible spinal injuries and had practised treating this throughout the season. Afterwards, Andy commented that this training, along with the combined experience of the three lifeguards, was vital.

They carefully adjusted the woman's position so she was lying on her back, took her riding helmet off, covered her in their jackets to keep her warm and monitored her 'ABC1 - her airway, breathing and circulation. Tom ran back for more first aid equipment.

Andy soon realised that the lifeguards would have to move the casualty onto a spinal board and up the beach because of the fast incoming spring tide. This manoeuvre was done with great care and expertise, to avoid causing the woman any more pain or further damage.

The lifeguards kept the casualty as comfortable as possible while they waited for help. They also cleared a landing area for the Royal Navy Sea King helicopter, keeping the horses and people at a safe distance.

The helicopter arrived about 20 minutes after the lifeguards and took the casualty to Treliske hospital. Although the lifeguards haven't heard from the casualty since, they were delighted to discover that she had been discharged from hospital. Andy was grateful for the presence of two volunteer lifeguards, Tom Rees, the 'runner' during the incident, and Gavin Wells, who monitored the water's edge near Perranporth base while the other lifeguards were at the scene of the accident.

It was thanks to Perranzabuloe Parish Council and Perran Sands Holiday Park that the lifeguards were on duty throughout October. They requested extended lifeguard cover at Perranporth beach when they realised that good October weather was likely to attract more crowds than usual.

The increasing popularity of surfing and kite surfing also meant that the beach would be busy. The lifeguard season was originally due to end on 30 September but the additional donations from the Parish Council and Holiday Park enabled the RNLI to extend the service throughout October.

Greg Spray, RNLI Area Lifeguard Manager, praised the involvement of the Parish Council and Perran Sands Holiday Park: They are acting in an extremely responsible manner by ensuring that lifeguard cover reflects the changing safety needs at the beach.'.