Beach warning as Erin heads for SW

BEACHGOERS have been warned of potential danger to life over the next few days as huge swell and spring tides are set to hit the South West.

- OLIVIER VERGNAULT

Locals and holidaymakers are being asked to take extra care on north coast beaches as the tail end of Hurricane Erin is getting closer to the UK, having skirted the Caribbean and the east coast of the United States last week.

Cornwall Council, HM Coastguard and the RNLI have issued a safety warning to beachgoers, asking people to stay away from the water as waves as high 15ft-18ft (5m-5.5m) are predicted for beaches like Perranporth or Fistral, Newquay, today.

In a post on Facebook, the local authority said: “We're expecting unusually large and dangerous surf conditions on many of Cornwall's beaches over the next few days. To keep yourself and others safe, please take extra care and stay at a safe distance. The RNLI is urging people to only visit lifeguarded beaches and to listen to their advice.