Exmouth Coastwatch flies the red flag in the absence of lifeguards

Visitors to Exmouth beach are advised to take note of a newly erected warning sign for sea users.

It comes in the absence of lifeguards, due to Covid-19 restrictions and the red flags which indicate where it is safe to swim.

A statement read: "In the absence of red flags warning swimmers not to enter the dangerous stretch of water along Exmouth seafront, Exmouth National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) has erected a warning sign.

"Situated on the slipway next to Coastwatch House on Queen's Drive, the sign displays the prohibited area and warns would-be swimmers of the dangers.

"The sign was erected on Saturday and will be displayed until the RNLI beach lifeguards are able to resume duties.

"Also on Saturday, an NCI volunteer watchkeeper raised the alarm after spotting two men on an inflatable, drifting out to sea without oars.

"HM Coastguard responded by tasking the Exmouth RNLI crew, who, within nine minutes of the initial call, brought the men to shore."

NCI Station Manager, Ivor Jones said:"It is thanks to the combined effort of Exmouth's search-and-rescue community that these gentlemen are alive and well today.

"We strongly urge all water users to take care."