Lifeguards rescue 27 people at Devon beach

The RNLI said lifeguards at Bantham beach on 13 October rescued 27 people who were in difficult conditions

RNLI lifeguards have warned that services have been reduced after the summer, adding that they were called into action 27 times to rescue surfers and kayakers in "difficult conditions" in just one day.

The RNLI said the south coat of the region saw a "big swell" on 13 October, with 4ft to 6ft (1.2m to 1.8m) waves, coupled with strong rip currents.

The lifeguards used a rescue water craft (RWC) for most of the rescues as they aided surfers who had lost their boards or got stuck in rip currents, the charity said.

It added that lifeguards also assisted a kayaker who was "caught out in the tough conditions".

The RNLI lifeguards said they spent a lot of time advising people at Bantham beach of the conditions and how best to enjoy them

Lifeguards said they spent "a lot of time" advising people on the conditions and how best to enjoy water safely.

Luke-Lane-Prokopiou, seasonal lifeguard supervisor for the South Hams and East Devon, said he was proud of the team who "showed great skill to rescue so many people on a challenging afternoon".

"A lot of work goes into training our lifeguards to be proficient on the RWC, and the day showed why it is so important as our lifeguards were able to use that training to great effect in responding quickly and efficiently to aid those who had got into trouble," he said.

"We’d like to remind the public that we are currently operating a reduced lifeguard service, with patrols only taking place at Bantham on weekends and during the upcoming October half-term.

"If you see no flags, that means no lifeguards are present."