The RNLI issued safety guidance for sea swimmers after a person was carried offshore by the tide near Killyleagh in County Down.

Portaferry RNLI volunteers were paged at 10.10 am on 25 May following reports to Belfast Coastguard of a swimmer in difficulty on the western shore of Strangford Lough.

The crew of Blair Baillie, Becca Nightingale and helm Paul Mageean launched the inshore lifeboat Blue Peter V.

At the scene the casualty had already been brought ashore by two other swimmers and was cold but uninjured.

The RNLI crew remained with the casualty until the Coastguard and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service took over.

Paul Mageean said the swimmers ashore had acted correctly by calling for help as soon as they noticed the casualty had drifted far from shore.

Mageean urged anyone entering the water to check weather, wind and tides, tell someone ashore of their plans, stay within their depth, wear a bright cap and tow float, and remember to float to live if in difficulty.