The lifeboat launched to assist two swimmers believed to be in difficulties 200 yards off the Marine Hotel, Tankerton.

They had been in the water for some time, and appeared to be struggling to reach the shore.

When the lifeboat arrived the swimmers declined any assistance, and explained they were regularly in the habit of swimming out some distance.

The lifeboat crew therefore kept them under observation until they had safey reached the shore, before departing to return to station.

Shortly after returning to the carriage, the lifeboat was launched to a second incident.