VOLUNTEER lifeboat crews in the South West will be on call, as always, over the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Whatever the weather or time of day, the charity’s volunteers will be ready to launch the lifeboats and rescue anyone in trouble at sea,’ said an RNLI spokesperson.

Last year, RNLI lifeboat crews in the South West launched 19 times and rescued 10 people between Christmas Eve and January 2. Callouts included a windsurfer tangled in his gear near Banjo Pier in East Looe, several people cut off by the tide, and fishermen in trouble.

RNLI spokesperson James Millidge said: ‘It is testament to our volunteers’ absolute commitment that they carry a pager and launch lifeboats to those in danger at sea.

‘Conditions can be challenging and unpredictable and tragically in the past we have seen a number of fatalities around the South West coast during Christmas and New Year,’ said Mr Millidge. ‘We want people to enjoy the coastline, but it’s important they are fully prepared for whatever activity they’re doing.

‘People wishing to go for a dip over the Christmas holiday are best attending an organised event, like the New Year’s Day dips in Cawsand and Looe. Even at organised events swimmers are responsible for their own safety, so they should think sensibly, consider the weather conditions and know their limits in the water,’ says the RNLI.