The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has warned people to stay away from cliff edges, seafronts, harbour walls and beaches today (Friday January 30) as waves are set to hit 15 feet.

A large swell is due to hit the south west with the high waves likely to cause sudden surges on exposed beaches and over the top of seafronts and harbour walls, which could catch people unawares.

‘While a winter swell is not unusual, surf forecasts are predicting a 17 second swell period,’ and RNLI spokesperson said. ‘This means a lull between sets of very large, very powerful waves of up to 15 minutes. There is a risk particularly close to high tide in the middle of the day, people walking on beaches or along sea fronts will be faced will a sudden set of surging waves racing 2-300 metres up the beach or topping over sea or harbour walls.’

The RNLI is advising people to keep well away from cliff edges, seafronts, harbour walls and beaches, which will be wet and potentially slippery.

‘If you do plan to visit the coast or a waterside location, stay a safe distance from the water, let someone know where you are going and carry a means of calling for help,’ the RNLI advised.

It reiterated its ‘Float to Live’ safety advice for anyone who finds themselves in trouble in the water: ‘lie back in the water with your head so far back that your ears are submerged, extend your arms and legs and try to relax as best as you can until you get control of your breathing. If you see someone else in danger in the water, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. If you have something that floats that they can hold on to, throw it to them. Don’t go in the water yourself – you could end up in difficulty too.’