The lifeboat crew at Hope Cove were called out a whopping 10 times over the weekend as the sunshine drew big crowds to the seaside following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

On their busiest day ever, the crew were tasked to six separate incidents in Bigbury Bay on Friday as paddleboarders, kayakers and inflatable dinghy occupants were all blown out to sea in strong easterly winds.

The crew also helped a windsurfer with a dislocated shoulder.

Another full day on Sunday saw the crew tasked to help various swimmers, kayakers and paddle-boarders all reported as being in trouble at sea.

The beaches at Hope Cove, Thurlestone, South Milton, Bantham, Bigbury and Cahllaborough were all reportedly busy as the sunny weather drew the crowds last weekend.

A Hope Cove Lifeboat spokesman said: “On Friday we barely touched the shore between some taskings, and not at all between others.

“A strong easterly breeze had been relentlessly pushing stand up paddle boards, kayaks and other inflatables offshore throughout the day, all of whom were safely returned ashore.

“Whilst in the middle of all of this, we were also tasked to a windsurfer in difficulty close to Burgh Island.

“Once on scene it soon became apparent the casualty had dislocated his shoulder and was rushed back to the station for medical attention, before returning to continue with another tasking.”

The spokesman reinforced the message that each time the lifeboat is called out, the volunteers and their families are put at risk of catching Covid-19.

He reminded beachgoers there are currently no RNLI lifeguarded beaches in the local area, and urged people to check wind speeds and direction before going into the sea.

“If you spot someone in difficulty, or indeed of you find yourself in difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard,” he said.

Graham Phillips, chairman of Hope Cove Lifeboat, praised the volunteer lifeboat crew for risking their lives to help others.

He said: “I cannot thank or praise the crew strongly enough. Their commitment and professionalism are magnificent.

“It would be invidious to single out any individual as they are a great bunch who love their roles on the boat.

“Morale is very high as is teamwork, and it is amazing to realise they they do all this, which includes risking lives, voluntarily”.