EMERGENCY services were called to three incidents at Maenporth on Thursday, with coastguards calling those involved "extremely lucky".

Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team said it was first called at 5.01pm, with a "concern for welfare" over a swimmer who had been washed onto rocks.

When they arrived, members of the team found that there were in fact three people who had been cut off by the tide, having made their way to the rocks due to the sea conditions.

A spokesperson for the team said: "They had climbed the cliff making their own way back towards Swanpool. A small team was sent to meet them and make sure they were well.

"While the remaining team members were keeping a watch of the group from ‘West Bay’ they spotted a swimmer in difficulty also being swept out.

"All team members were recalled to the Maenporth and were gearing up for a ‘snatch’ water rescue when the lady was seen to be clambering up the rocks and making her own way back to the beach.

"Team members met with her and made sure she was OK. Other than some minor cuts, she was well.

"This lady did exactly the right thing and swam parallel to the beach, to the safety of the rocks and out of the rip that was taking her out to sea."

Falmouth Packet:

Then, at 6.26pm, the team was sent back to Maenporth following a report that a 13-year-old girl was in trouble in the sea.

The spokesperson said: "On scene we found that she had been recovered from the water by a relative and both passed taken the care of ambulance crews.

"It goes without saying that these people were extremely lucky.

"Even the most experienced water users can get caught out.

"Only 12 months ago were were again at Maenporth having been tasked to a gentleman who’d been recovered from the water. He was a strong swimmer and sadly, despite our best efforts, he didn’t make it that day.

"Please really think about what you are doing when you enter the water.

"If you spot anyone in trouble on the coast. Dial 999 and ask for Coastguard. Even the slightest delay can make all the difference."