RNLI lifeguards at Sandymouth beach had to rescue seven people towards the end of the May half term week.

The seven swimmers were caught in a rip current and taken out into deeper water and huge surf breaking near rocks.

The swimmers tried to swim back to shore but the current was too strong so RNLI lifeguard Sam Davenport sprang into action calling for assistance from the team before entering the water on a lifeguard rescue board.

Once on scene, Sam quickly secured all seven casualties and waited for the arrival of the second lifeguard Steve Stritch who assisted in returning the swimmers safely back to shore.

In addition to rescuing a number of people from the river mouth on Summerleaze beach RNLI lifeguards attended two heart attack incidents in the space of two weeks.

Lifeguards were able to successfully treat the casualties before handing the incidents over to paramedics.

Widemouth lifeguards have been kept busy with large numbers of surf craft taking to the sea.

During half term Widemouth lifeguards launched the Inshore Rescue Boat (IRB) to assist Blackrock lifeguards when a kayaker got into trouble in rough seas.

Last weekend lifeguards Richie Heard and Ella Henwood represented the RNLI lifeguards at Hartland coastguards’ 125th birthday celebration. Bude Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT), Bideford CRT, Hartland ATC and Hartland fire service were also in attendance.

Richie and Ella took the IRB with them to promote the RNLI’s ‘Respect the Water Campaign’ whilst the coastguard teams gave demonstrations of cliff, water and mud rescue techniques.

A spokesman said: “The beaches are only going to be getting busier and the weather warmer, so if anyone is planning on going into the sea they must make sure they are aware of the flags and what they mean.

“The red and yellow flags are the safest place for swimmers and bodyboarders, the black and white checked flags are for craft users such as surfers and kayakers and the red flag means that the beach is closed due to dangerous conditions or lifeguards attending a serious incident.”

If anyone is unsure then speak to one of the lifeguards who are always happy to help.