LIFEGUARDS in Perranporth had to rescue over 30 people from the sea on Monday after a freak riptide dragged them 100 metres from the shore. All in all a total of 65 people had to be rescued from the water after they ignored red flag warnings.

The riptide struck in a matter of seconds at around 2pm as holidaymakers packed the beach at Perranporth. Lifeguards had to rescue 31 men, women and children who were dragged out to sea by the strong current taking many of them out of their depth.

The flash riptide occurred in an area which had been marked as safe for bathing with red and yellow flags and took everyone by surprise.

Perranporth lifeguards used their rescue boat and that of the Penhale lifeguards to pull people out of the water as well as jet skis, rescue boards and rescue floats.

Team leader Andy Thomas said the riptide was terrifying to see and there was a lot of panic in the water. He said there would have been a lot of people drowned if the lifeguards hadn't been there to pull them out.

Immediately after the incident lifeguards put up red warning flags but said people ignored them and were still going into the sea as they were pulling people out of the water. This was despite warning signs and loudspeaker announcements that the water was not safe to go into. The remaining 34 rescues were carried out during the rest of the day. All of those rescued were treated on the beach and no one needed hospital treatment.

Perranporth beach is renowned for its strong rip-currents but the excellent wave and miles of golden sands make it popular with surfers and holidaymakers.