THE RNLI has issued safety advice after lifeboat volunteers were called to the River Gannel in Newquay twice in one week.

Volunteers were tasked following two people found themselves cut off by a high Spring tide on Thursday, August 22 at 7.22pm.

Due to the change of the course of the river mouth, conditions have made it inaccessible for the Atlantic during poorer sea conditions and Spring tides.

A decision was made to launch the charity's Atlantic 85 in order for crew to assess the conditions at the river mouth, while the Launch Authority sought permission from head office to launch the D Class lifeboat from Trethellan slip. This means towing the lifeboat on the public roads to gain access to the Gannel via Penmere Drive estate.

The Atlantic lifeboat crew had meanwhile found conditions at the entrance to the Gannel were too hazardous to make a safe entry to the river and were forced to return to the harbour.

The D Class lifeboat, a truck containing boat crew and a car transporting shore crew arrived at Trethellan slipway and the boat was reversed down the lengthy slip and straight into the river. 

On arriving at the scene the two casualties had got to safety on a rock, however they were surrounded by very deep water. Both casualties were fine and very grateful to the lifeboat crew who then transported them ashore.

In a separate Newquay RNLI Lifeboat volunteers, RNLI Lifeguards Newquay and Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team attended the Gannel following reports a woman was in difficulty on Monday, August 19 at 5.15pm.

Reports had been received from a member of the public who had seen a woman who appeared to be stranded on the banks of the River Gannel and waving for help.

The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched and joined RNLI Lifeguards from Crantock who had already completed an in-depth search on the Rescue Water Craft.

Newquay Coastguard Search and Rescue Team located the informant who was able to confirm the exact location of where they saw the person waving and the area was thoroughly searched. 

No one was found to be in difficulty and all the agencies were stood down. The call was deemed to be a false alarm with good intent. 

A spokesperson for Newquay RNLI said: “Don’t get cut off by the tide, check them.

“You can find out more information about tides in the area through tide tables, apps, weather news or local websites.

“Local tidal information is available from the harbourmaster, tourist information centre and some seaside retail outlets.

“Check forecasts at RNLI lifeguarded beaches. In any coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”