Warning after 'serious' back-to-back rescues

The RNLI has issued a warning following "serious" back-to-back water rescues on one day in south Devon.

The life-saving charity said it responded to concerns for two kayakers who were heading towards Burgh Island in "challenging cross-shore winds" on Tuesday afternoon.

Lifeguards also rescued "multiple people in distress" following calls for help at the mouth of the River Avon on the same afternoon, the charity said.

The RNLI has urged people to "float to live" if they find themselves struggling in the water.

It said the kayakers heading towards Burgh Island made their way safely to another beach.

Rescuers who responded to another incident on the same day managed to locate those who were in difficulty and said one swimmer was "in particular distress and was shouting for help".

It said the swimmer, who was at immediate risk of drowning, was recovered "within seconds".

Two other people who had become stranded on their paddleboard were rescued while trying to return to Bantham.

All three were safely returned to shore, it said.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor Luke Lane-Prokopiou said: "We want to encourage people to always make sure to check conditions before heading out into the water.

"Always have a means for calling for help and make sure to choose a lifeguarded beach this summer.'"

The warning comes as temperatures continue to soar across the south west, leading to an amber heat health alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

The alert had been put in place from midday on Friday until 09:00 BST on Monday.

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