A SWIMMER who got into difficulties in the sea at Praa Sands sparked a rescue operation yesterday afternoon.

Penlee Lifeboat crew received an immediate launch request from Falmouth Coastguards just after 4pm.

By the time the inshore lifeboat Mollie & Ivor Dent had reached the beach from Newlyn, the man had been brought to shore by two kayakers. Porthleven Coastguards also attended the scene.

Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 924 landed on Praa Sands beach, and a paramedic assessed the casualty before flying him to the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro. He was not thought to be seriously ill.

Penlee Inshore Lifeboat searched the area to ensure that there were no other swimmers in difficulties. They also relayed VHF messages from the beach to Falmouth Coastguard.