RNLI warning after multiple swimmers rescued

Swimmers have been encouraged to wait for calmer sea conditions

Swimmers have been urged to wait for calmer sea conditions following a spate of rescues in Cornwall.

Tom Bolt, from Falmouth Coastguard, said eight lifeboats and 13 coastguard rescue teams were tasked on Tuesday to several incidents during "dangerous" sea conditions.

Mr Bolt said one of the rescues included a group of six people who were washed off a pier at Sennen before a swell dragged them into the harbour.

It comes after the coastguard warned beachgoers of dangerous conditions due to high spring tides, high pressure and strong swell from Hurricane Erin.

Mr Bolt said the RNLI lifeboat crew assessed the six people and "they were all safe and well, but that situation could have got a lot worse very quickly".

He said: "A few moments of caution can make a whole lot of difference.

"If red flags are flying from the lifeguards, or you have any doubts about going into the water at all, it's always better to wait for calmer conditions rather than just going in."

Eddie Robinson, from Falmouth Coastguard, told the BBC coastguards and lifeboat teams were tasked to 38 incidents on Monday, many to rescue people cut off by tides.

He said people planning to visit beaches should check tide times and expect higher water than stated since "the massive swell will push the water higher up".