Bude Coastguard Rescue Team

22/04/2026

📟 Call-Out #13
Monday 20th April, 2026

Bude Coastguard Rescue Team were paged at 18:07 on Monday and tasked by Falmouth MRCC (Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre) to locate and prepare for a potential rope rescue to recover two persons cut off by the tide between Crooklets Beach and Northcott Beach.

Bude RNLI Lifeboat was also launched to this incident. Once both teams arrived on scene, it was agreed that the safest and most efficient method of rescuing the two stranded individuals was by our colleagues on the Lifeboat.

Once the Lifeboat crew had recovered the casualties onboard the boat, Bude Coastguard Team relocated to Summerleaze Beach to meet the Lifeboat upon its return, providing a final health and welfare check of the individuals before releasing them to return home.

If you should happen to see anyone in trouble on the coast, cliffs or sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

09/04/2026

📟 Call out #11
Tuesday 7th April, 2026

At 14:16, Bude Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked by Falmouth Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre to locate and assist a casualty experiencing medical issues on the coast path to the north of Crackington Haven.

A member of Bude Community First Responders, the Coastguard helicopter "Rescue 924" and paramedics from the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust were also in attendance.

The CFR and Coastguard Rescue Officers met at an agreed access point and worked together to locate the casualty. Once on scene, the Rescue Officers assisted the CFR, co-ordinated logistics and remained in communication with the ambulance and Coastguard helicopter crews as they arrived on scene.

Following an assessment, the Coastguard Helicopter winch paramedic and a SWAST paramedic requested the casualty be moved to the land ambulance for further treatment. Once on board, the Rescue Team were stood down.

If you should happen to see anyone in trouble on the coast, cliffs or sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

17/03/2026

📟 Call Out #08
Monday 16th March, 2026

Bude Coastguard Rescue Team were paged at 10:25am yesterday and tasked by Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre to rescue a beach walker who was cut off by the tide between Crooklets Beach and Northcott. Bude RNLI Lifeboat, Hartland Coastguard Rescue Team, and Coastguard Rescue Helicopter Rescue 387 – based at St Athan in South Wales – were also scrambled.

Arriving on the cliffs above, the Rescue Team quickly located the casualty who was stranded on a rock, surrounded by a surging tide, driven by a 6ft swell and onshore winds.

Coastguard Rescue Officers quickly donned their water rescue gear and made their way to the beach. Having communicated plans to the casualty, the Rescue Officers then performed a "sn**ch rescue" to recover the casualty from the rock and back to the beach through the rising waters. Bude RNLI Lifeboat crew assisted by providing safety cover while the rescue took place.

The casualty was cold but uninjured, and once checked over was assisted back to a place of safety.

We always recommend checking the weather and tidal conditions before setting out for a walk on the beach, especially in this area. It is possible to walk between Crooklets and Northcott beach, but only during spring tides when the water recedes further, and it is recommended to walk this stretch only on an outgoing tide. Please make sure you wear suitable clothing and take a fully charged phone with you. If possible, it's always best to let someone know where you're going and what time you plan to be back.

During periods of large swell and storms, water can quickly surge up the beach. Please take additional care if there is surging water as this can quickly surround you.

If you happen to see anyone in trouble on the coast, cliffs or sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

09/03/2026

We’re very pleased to welcome two new Coastguard Rescue Officers to the Bude team.

Rob and Liam have both recently qualified after completing their new entry training over the past three months. This included emergency first aid, rope rescue, water rescue, lost and missing person search training, along with a range of other core operational skills.

They join the team at the perfect time, ready to get stuck in as call-outs begin to increase heading into the busier season ahead.

We’re looking forward to supporting them as they begin their service on the coast.

07/03/2026

📟 Call Out #07
Friday 6th March, 2026

At 17:25 yesterday, Bude Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked by Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) to assist South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust with a casualty who had fallen several meters while scrambling on rocks at Crooklets Beach.

Coastguard Rescue Officers were first on scene and provided casualty care while other team members cleared the beach in advance of the arrival of Cornwall Air Ambulance, which briefly touched down on the beach to drop off one of the paramedics, before landing on Maer Down.

Rescue Officers continued to assist the HEMS paramedic, whilst other members of the team secured the helicopter landing site.

Once the casualty was safely on board a land ambulance and en route to hospital, the team maintained the HLS until the Air Ambulance had safely departed the scene.

The rocks around Bude are a mix of sandstone and mudstone, and they are liable to collapse and fall. We recommend climbers stay away from the base of cliffs, wear suitable protective equipment such as a climbing helmet, adequately protect falls and never climb alone. We also recommend checking the tide times before you leave, have a means of calling for help, and ensure the rock you are using is stable.

If you happen to see anyone in trouble on the coast, cliffs or sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Video courtesy Hannah Power

19/02/2026

📟 Call Out #05
Tuesday 17th February, 2026

Bude Coastguard Rescue Team were paged at 14:56 by Falmouth Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and tasked to support Hartland Coastguard Rescue Team with locating and assisting a female with an ankle injury in the vicinity of Speke's Mill, near Hartland.

Upon arrival, it was established the walking party had been able to help the casualty to a location accessible by ambulance, which arrived shortly after the Coastguard teams had begun administering first aid.

Once the casualty was safely onboard the ambulance and en route to hospital, all teams were stood down.

If you should happen to see anyone in trouble on the coast, cliffs or sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

26/01/2026

The Met Office has issued multiple yellow and amber warnings across the UK. Storm Chandra is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds, and snow from Monday night into Tuesday.

Coastal areas, including the Isles of Scilly, western Cornwall, and southwest Wales, can expect wind gusts of up to 80mph.

During a storm:

• Stay away from the shoreline to reduce the chances of being swept away
• Keep your distance as large waves can throw around shingle and debris
• If you see someone get carried away by a wave, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

Visit the HM Coastguard website to find out more about how to stay safe during a storm.

16/01/2026

📟 Major Incident
Thursday 15th January 2026

Two Coastguard Rescue Officers from the Bude team (deployed as part of the Area 12 Flood Team, which draws specially-trained officers from teams across the area, ensuring that the operational resilience of local Coastguard Rescue Teams was not affected) were sent to Exmouth yesterday to support the safe evacuation of hundreds of members of the public following the discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb.

Please see the attached report for full details.

16/01/2026

13/01/2026

Looking to do something rewarding?

We’re currently looking for Coastguard Rescue Officers to join our team.

HM Coastguard is the UK’s 999 maritime and coastal emergency service. Our Coastguard Rescue Service is made up of volunteers who carry out rescues and help those in distress around our coast.

As a volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officer, you could be involved in a range of situations, from mud, cliff and water rescues to searches for missing people. As a volunteer you will not be paid. You can claim a small amount for your time and expenses.

Volunteering with us is a rewarding role that supports and gives back to your local community. You can make a real difference and help to save lives.

For more information about the Coastguard Rescue Service or to apply to become a volunteer, please see the link in the comments.

Bude Coastguard Rescue Team is located within Area 12.

08/01/2026

Bude and our local communities sit within the red warning zone for the incoming Storm Goretti. We advise everyone to avoid the coast and stay indoors during this period of intense weather.

Should you be made aware of any emergency on the coast, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

RED WEATHER WARNING ISSUED 🔴⚠️

The Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning across the Isles of Scilly and parts of Cornwall until 11pm this evening, with stormy winds potentially exceeding 100mph expected to hit exposed coastal areas.

Large powerful waves will bring dangerous conditions to the coast so stay away. The strength of the water can easily sweep you off your feet and carry you out to sea.

Flying debris and beach material will also pose a danger to life. If you live in the affected area it is recommended to stay indoors.

Follow the Met Office for further weather updates.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

04/01/2026

📟 Call out #01
Saturday 3rd January 2026

At 13:20 Bude Coastguard Rescue Team were tasked to their first attendance of 2026 – a report of two bodyboarders in difficulty at Widemouth Beach.

Once on scene, Coastguard Rescue Officers established a shoreline search, had conversations with members of public on the beach and surveyed the inshore waters from a high vantage point. With no further information, and with no-one visibly in any difficulty, the team were stood down, pending any further information.

Although it appears that there was no-one in difficulty on this occasion, the concerned onlooker did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.

During the winter season the beaches around Bude are not lifeguarded. If you do choose to enter the water to surf, HM Coastguard recommends the following advice:

•⁠ ⁠Surf with a buddy - have a plan before you enter the water and keep an eye on each other.
•⁠ ⁠Tell someone where you’re going and when you’re likely to be back.
•⁠ ⁠Check the weather forecast and tide times before you leave home.
•⁠ ⁠Stay within your limits - don’t challenge yourself too early if you're a beginner.
•⁠ ⁠Wear a leash so you stay attached to your board – if you get into difficulty, always stay with your board as it will keep you afloat and make you easier to find.
•⁠ ⁠Wear a suitable wetsuit for the conditions - as well as keeping you warm, wetsuits help with buoyancy and provide some protection from scrapes and bumps.

If you should happen to see anyone in trouble on the coast, cliffs or sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.