TWO teenage girls were saved by lifeguards from Sedgewell Cove after they got swept out to sea in strong currents in the area on Sunday.

Both girls, aged 13, were paddling in the shallows when they were swept into the stronger currents in the river and could not return to shore.

RNLI lifeguard Lizzy Rudd saw the father of the two girls running along the shore and, along with senior RNLI lifeguard Chris Ramp-ling, reacted immediately.

They grabbed rescue boards and jumped into the water to go to the aid of the two girls.

When the lifeguards reached the swimmers, they were clearly distressed and exhausted and the pair were returned safely to shore where they were assessed and monitored for shock.

Chris Rampling, senior lifeguard, said: 'Had it not been for the quick actions of the RNLI lifeguards the outcome may have been very different.

'It all happened so fast, we did not even have time to put on our wetsuits.

'Thankfully the training the RNLI provides for us is of a very high standard and allows us to deal with such situations when they arise.'

Simon Crayfourd, RNLI lifeguard manager, said: 'The water can be deceptive and strong currents can be difficult to spot.

'We want everyone to enjoy their time at the coast and would encourage people to ensure that they always go to a lifeguarded beach.'

Earlier in the weekend, lifeguards at neighbouring Bantham beach also rescued a kitesurfer stranded in a nearby cove.

With the tide coming in and no wind to power his kite, lifeguards from Bantham beach launched their inshore rescue boat with Chris Rampling at the helm and Ivan Burton as crew.

The pair reached the kitesurfer and took him and his kite back to Sedgewell Cove.