A swimmer who was swept out to sea in Cornwall earlier today was rescued after being spotted from shore - thanks to the colour of her hat.

She had been swimming from Little Fistral beach in Newquay when she got into difficulties.

Thankfully the woman was wearing a pink hat and had a pink float with her, meaning she was easily seen by the caller who rang 999 and asked for the coastguard.

It was just before 12.45pm today (Saturday) that the call came into HM Coastguard with the caller giving updates on where the swimmer was.

Newquay and Padstow coastguard rescue teams were sent along with both Newquay RNLI lifeboats and the coastguard helicopter from Newquay.

Matt Rogers, team leader with HM Coastguard, said: “This swimmer had done a considerable amount to give herself a chance of being rescued if things went wrong.

"She not only had a float that was a bright pink colour but was wearing a hat of the same colour too. It meant our caller could help give us information that enabled the swimmer to be rescued quickly.

“It’s a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong even for the most experienced and why you should do all you can to help us help you if the worst happens.”