People warned over swimming in working harbour

Cattewater Harbour Commissioners said it had to speak to two swimmers who were not easily visible

People have been warned not to swim in a Devon harbour after two swimmers put themselves "at extreme risk".

Cattewater Harbour Commissioners said it had to speak to two swimmers in Plymouth on Wednesday who were not easily visible.

The harbour said it received multiple reports each year from ship masters and pilots involving swimmers impeding navigation.

It said the harbour had no designated swimming areas and warned people it had the power to prosecute swimmers if they put safety or ships at risk.

The harbour commissioners said Cattewater was a busy commercial port in a designated shipping channel.

"It is prohibited to swim within the Cattewater at any time unless with express permission from the harbour master, granted occasionally for organised swim events," it said.

The authority said the two swimmers were spoken to by the harbour team but no further action was taken.

"On this occasion we won't be progressing a prosecution," it said.

"As the navigation and conservancy authority for Cattewater Harbour, we are able to do so should it be deemed necessary, especially if interfering with the safety of navigation and or putting life at risk."

Designated swimming spots in Plymouth Sound are marked with seasonal marker buoys and include Bovisand Bay, Crownhill Bay, Cawsand Bay, Firestone Bay and Tinside East.