1 st May 2022. The volunteer watchkeepers of the National Coastwatch Institution are always alert to the fact that sea swimmers can get into difficulties, but sometimes they can also become a hazard to other water users as well.

.Recently, the watchkeepers at NCI Torbay spotted a lone swimmer whose direction was taking them outside the 5 knot markers and forcing several vessels to change their course to avoid a collision. The watchkeepers contacted the Torbay Harbour Master, who in turn alerted the Paignton Harbour Master to advise craft in the bay of the swimmer's location.

NCI Torbay continued to monitor the swimmer as they had reached nearly a nautical mile offshore before they turned and headed back toward Meadfoot beach. The watch keepers also kept a watchful eye on all vessels in his vicinity due to their course and proximity to the swimmer. The swimmer made it back in the area of Meadfoot Beach and out of the path of other water users safely.