RNLI re-issues safety warning as dangerous sea conditions to continue across Devon and Cornwall
The RNLI has re-issued its safety warning to people heading to the West Country's beaches as it predicts "large waves" and "dangerous sea conditions" will continue.
It is the second day of potentially tumultuous conditions on the region's coastline and the life-saving charity is again urging people to only visit lifeguarded beaches.
On Wednesday (28 October) a number of Newquay's beaches had to be closed after a "colossal swell" - partly brought on by ex-hurricane Epsilon - created waves of up to 28ft.
People were stopped from entering the water at Fistral, Crantock, Towan and Mawgan Porth as a precaution.
A major rescue operation also had to be carried out after HM Coastguard received reports of nine people in difficulty after being swept out to sea at Gwithian.
They were all out of the water by the time emergency services arrived, but they all had injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to water inhalation.
Five casualties were airlifted to hospital, the other four were taken by land ambulance.
Both the RNLI and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is now urging people to remember the following things before heading out over the next few days:
Avoid the water and never enter if the red flag is flying
Stay away from exposed beaches, cliffs, coastal paths, promenades and harbours
Stay back from large waves
In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
Get the latest weather forecast for the region here.
This video shows the moment a giant wave hit beach-goers at Treyarnon. According to the RNLI, nobody was injured.
Television presenter and author Fern Britton, who now lives in Cornwall, issued her own safety warning to followers on Twitter.
The former 'This Morning' co-anchor regularly updated her social media feed on Wednesday with pictures of the growing waves around the coast.
She also shared some of the scary experiences posted by others, including a young boy who had to be rescued after getting caught up in the waves and a man who was told to get out of the sea after he was swimming in the dangerous waters without a wetsuit.
Titled 'A Cornish wash and blow dry', Fern posted a video with a stark warning to people who are considering a visit to the beach.
She also reminded viewers that RNLI lifeguard cover is coming to an end as we now head into the winter months.
Your pictures and videos
One photographer and Twitter user shared this compilation from across the region.
This picture was shared on Twitter from Treyarnon
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ITV West Country weather presenter Charlie Powell also shared images of the scene on Fistral Beach, with a reminder to visitors not to get too close to the water.
Retired Devon and Cornwall Police Inspector, Dave Meredith, also captured the conditions in Newquay.
These were the waves at Sennen.
THESE were the waves at Porthleven.
As the Twitter user who posted it said, "Imagine living in that house though".
Meanwhile in Carbis Bay, as half term holidaymakers were warned to stay out of the water, seals were seen making the most of the more 'playful' conditions.
If you have any pictures or videos of the waves that you would like to share, email them to us using the address westcountry@itv.com.
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