SEVEN people have been rescued off the coast of Abersoch.

The RNLI was called out on Monday to a paddleboarder struggling to get back to the shore.

When they arrived, they found another person trying to help had also got into difficulty.

A spokesperson for Abersoch RNLI said the crew received a page from the coastguard at 11.21am on Monday morning.

"The Atlantic 85 inshore lifeboat was launched at 11.36am and arrived at the scene within minutes and found a further person on an inflatable trying to assist in towing the paddleboarder back to the shore," the spokesperson said.

"The crew checked whether any medical assistance was required and remained on scene until the casualties, one adult female and one teenage male, were safely back on the beach. Neither of the casualties were wearing lifejackets."

The crew then carried out a sweep of the bay and came across five people at Penrhyn Du.

"One adult male, two teenagers and two children on paddleboards were in danger of being swept out to sea in the strong offshore wind," the spokesperson added.

"The lifeboat escorted the casualties, who were not wearing lifejackets and had no means of communication, back to the safety of the beach."

The lifeboat returned to the station at 12.20pm where it was thoroughly cleaned, refuelled and left ready for service.

Volunteer helm Andy Gunby, said: "Here at Abersoch we want to make sure your paddleboard experience is one you will remember for all the right reasons by taking some steps to stay safe, such as wearing a suitable floatation device and leash and always carrying a means of calling for help such as a fully charged mobile phone in a watereproof pouch."

He adedd: "Check the weather forecast and tides and if you are in any doubt, then don’t go."

If you do go out, he said to "ensure someone knows you are going out".