Warnings issued and people urged not to swim at dangerous beach in Cornwall

Loe Bar is known for its treacherous conditions

Loe Bar
Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 10th Aug 2021

A warning is going out and people are being urged not to swim at a beach with strong rip currents in Cornwall.

Officials say several people have recently been seen swimming at Loe Bar, not far from Porthleven.

The beach is known for its treacherous conditions and steep shingle bank.

There are warning signs in the sand urging people not to go in the water and the beach is not lifeguarded.

Now several messages have been issued online, urging people to visit alternative beaches for swimming.

Penrose National Trust posted on Facebook: "There have been some people entering the water at Loe Bar recently.

"Loe Bar has a reputation for being treacherous due to its steep shingle bank. Please keep safe by reading the warning signs and avoiding the water.

"There are several much safer RNLI life-guarded beaches near by."

The HM Coastguard Area 11 Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Coastal Safety also shared a warning on social media.

They said: "Today there has been a report of people sighted swimming off LOE BAR Beach near Porthleven. Even the most competent swimmer might get into difficulty swimming off this beach.

"DO NOT go into the water along this section of beach.

"READ the warning signs that are clearly visible.

"Loe Bar near Porthleven has a well earned reputation for being remote and treacherous and sadly, over the years several lives have been lost.

"In addition to this Loe Bar is also understandably without a lifeguard, therefore putting yourself and others at immense risk.

"The combination of powerful waves, a steep slippery shingle bank and vicious currents make it a very dangerous stretch of beach.

"However, if you take care and are sensible you can enjoy the beautiful scenery from a safe distance away from the water.

"If you see someone doing something you feel is dangerous near the coast or sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

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