Incredible footage shows an RNLI lifeguard rescuing a boy who had been dragged away from Crooklets Beach in Bude, Cornwall, in a very strong rip current while bodyboarding.

He was heard screaming for help so lifeguard Joby Wolfenden-Brown paddled out on a rescue board and grabbed the boy, who was exhausted and clearly in a lot of distress. He was brought back to shore safely and reunited with his family. Chris Wafer, RNLI lifeguard supervisor, gives this advice: ‘If you’re stuck in a rip current do not panic or swim against the current, keep hold of your flotation device and raise your arm to signal for help.’

Rip currents can be incredibly powerful and catch even the strongest swimmers off-guard. See below for a handy graphic on how to escape a rip current.