COASTGUARDS who were called to reports expressing concern for the welfare of a swimmer have said that it was a ‘false alarms’ albeit with the right intentions.

They’ve encouraged people to still report similar sightings as, although this was a false alarm, someone’s vigilance could save a life in the event a similar incident occurred again.

At just after 2pm on Tuesday, April 7, the coastguard team received a report of concern for the welfare of a swimmer who was 150 metres out to sea between Harlyn Bay and Trevone on the North Cornwall coast.

Colleagues from RNLI Harlyn launched their in-shore boat to check on the swimmer, who it transpired was well equipped and experienced, leading to the lifeguards leaving them to continue with their swim.

HM Coastguard Padstow said afterwards it was thankful to the informant for their vigilance.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard Padstow said: “The team received a tasking with a report of concern for a swimmer approximately 150m out to sea between Harlyn and Trevone.

“There was a very large swell and the first informant was concerned for their safety. The team drove to a vantage point between Trevone and Harlyn to get ‘eyes on’.

“RNLI Harlyn lifeguards launched their Inshore Lifeboat and proceeded to check on the swimmer. They were well equipped and experienced so the lifeguards left them to continue their swim.

“The incident was recorded as a false alarm with good intent and the team was stood down.

“Thank you to RNLI’s Padstow Lifeguards for their invaluable assistance. Many thanks also to the first informant for their vigilance. If the swimmer had have been in difficulty then, by raising the alarm, they would have been attended to very efficiently.

“As always, if you see someone in difficulty on, or near, the coast call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”