Both Penlee...
and the Lizard lifeboats were called out within hours of the clock heralding midnight signalling the start of a New Year! Five-thirty on New Year's Day morning is no time to be woken - never mind if you are crew on a lifeboat and the weather is yet another sou westerly gale screaming across the bay.
Sadly, as of midday on New Year's day the 26 year old man who went 'paddling' in the early hours of the morning from Loe Bar has not been found.
Two serious incidents led Devon and Cornwall police to issue the following message to the public:
Joint message from Devon and Cornwall Police and HM Coastguard
Devon and Cornwall Police together with Her Majesty’s Coastguard are appealing to local residents and visitors to the Devon and Cornwall region not to enter the sea during the bad weather. This follows two very serious incidents over the past two days involving people who have entered the sea in rough conditions.
A police spokesperson said: “There are people who enjoy swimming in all weathers as well as those who may underestimate the danger a rough sea can pose. During the current bad weather, we would like to appeal to people not to put themselves, and emergency personnel who might have to turn out to rescue them, in unnecessary danger.”
HM Coastguard advises that those who enjoy walking on beaches and rocky areas stay away from the surf line during this period of extreme weather and ensure that children and pets do likewise. Large waves can easily take people by surprise and the force of the waves is significant. Dogs should be kept on leads if walking along cliff tops.
In an emergency at the coast, do not put yourself in danger by entering the water or climbing cliffs but call 999 and request the Coastguard.