Two children were among four people caught in a rip current on the north coast this lunchtime.

The coastguard search and rescue helicopter, both St Ives lifeboats and volunteer coastguards were all scrambled just after midday by Falmouth Coastguard, after concerns were raised about two adults and two children in the water at Gwithian.

It has since been revealed that surfers managed to reach the children and get them back to the beach before emergency services arrived.

St Ives RNLI coxswain Rob Cocking launched the all weather lifeboat with volunteer crew Jake Martin, Jack Hill, DC, Graeme Russell and Martin Ashmore.

Meanwhile the inshore lifeboat also launched with Barney Stevens at the helm, plus volunteers Neil Brooks and Daisy Jarvis.

Mr Cocking said: "Both crews quickly got underway. They were aware that Helicopter 924 was on the scene along with HM Coastguard Portreath Rescue Team.

"Two children surfing were caught in a rip. As our crews arrived on scene they could see that luckily surfers had already managed to reach them both and had just got them back to the beach.

"Our inshore lifeboat volunteers speedily made their way to the beach in order to provide casualty care to the two children.

"Our all weather lifeboat and crew were searching to ensure no one else required assistance, and then stood off the beach.

"Both adults, who by this point were back on the beach, were checked but did not require any first aid. Both teenagers were then handed over after assistance from our crew, to awaiting ambulance responders so they could be checked."

Once everyone was accounted for, or in the care of awaiting paramedics, the lifeboat crews then made their way back to the station.

Coxswain Rob Cocking added: "It's a good reminder that rips are strong currents running out to sea, which can quickly drag people and debris away from the shallows of the shoreline and out to deeper water.

"Rips are especially powerful in larger surf, but never underestimate the power of any water.

"If you do find yourself caught in a rip don’t try to swim against it or you’ll get exhausted. If you can stand, wade don’t swim.

"If you can, swim parallel to the shore until free of the rip and then head for shore. Always raise your hand and shout for help."

For more information on rip currents visit the rnli.org.uk/safety/