Two people have sadly died after being pulled from the water at a beach in Cornwall.
Emergency services were called to Fistral Beach, Newquay, yesterday evening at around 9.45pm.
A spokeswoman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were called by the South Western Ambulance Service at around 9.45pm on Sunday 26 July following reports that two people had been recovered from the water at Fistral Beach, Newquay.
“Emergency services attended and a cordon was put in place, which has since been removed.
“Sadly, a man and a woman were pronounced deceased at the scene. Their families have been informed, and our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.
“A file will be prepared for HM Coroner.”
Search and rescue teams from Newquay, Padstow and St Agnes took part in the operation, along with lifeboats from Newquay RNLI and a coastguard helicopter.
Sadly, Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed both were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency services were called to Fistral Beach, Newquay, late yesterday evening
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PAThe long, sandy beach is well-known for being one of the best surfing beaches in Europe, and is home to a range of seafront facilities.
Fistral Beach has a lifeguard patrol in place during summer months, but only between 10am and 6pm.
The tragedy comes amid a summer of open water deaths, as the UK Health Security Agency warned of a potential increase in water-related incidents, including risks from cold water shock and drowning, as the hot weather continues.
During the infamous May heatwave, at least 15 people – mostly children – drowned while swimming in open water.
Ross Macleod, RNLI water safety manager, warned the sea and other open bodies of water remain cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which can cause “uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly”.
“It’s best to enter the water slowly to gradually acclimatise,” he added.
“Anyone who finds themselves in danger in the water should fight the panic instinct and float to live – try to relax and float on their back, with head tilted back, gently moving their hands and legs to help them stay afloat.”