Wind and tide warning after six rescues in an hour

Coastguards have reminded beachgoers to be aware of spring tides and offshore winds after responding to six incidents in a single hour.

Gill Rylance of Falmouth Coastguard said the alerts were raised in Devon and Cornwall at lunchtime on Friday and needed coastguard rescue teams, lifeboats and lifeguards to work together.

She said a man had been taken to hospital when he was injured in a fall from the breakwater at Hope Cove and a number of paddleboarders needed to be recovered by the lifeboat after they were cut off near Hele Bay.

A kayaker in Gorran Haven also needed assistance from Fowey lifeboat and Mevagissey coastguards after he struggled to get back to shore, Ms Rylance said.

"We're approaching spring tides now so they are quite strong, especially at mid-tide," Ms Rylance said.

"Paddleboarders in particular can be caught out by offshore winds round the headland, conditions can be quite different to the shelter of a bay.

"If they then have to turn around and paddle against the wind it can be exhausting and they may get fatigued and find they are unable to get back," she added.

Ms Rylance reminded beachgoers to choose lifeguarded beaches and if that was not possible, to ask local people about any dangers to be aware of.

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