Coastguard teams have offered to support other emergency services in keeping the public safe during the Coronavirus epidemic.

The coastguard has helped Devon and Cornwall Police this weekend by working alongside the force providing patrols along the coastline.

Martin Leslie, Coastguard Area Commander at Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Coastguard said:

"Coastguard Rescue Teams from Areas 11, 10 and 12 which cover Devon and Cornwall and include the Isles of Scilly have been tasked to assist partner agencies in the provision of 'mutual aid' over the period of the coronavirus outbreak.

"These requests for mutual aid are managed on a case-by-case basis through Operational, Tactical and Strategic Cells, with the national picture and operational availability in mind.

"Where HM Coastguard has the capability to achieve the desired effect it will assist other emergency responders and partner agencies, working together with them, to keep the public safe. Please continue to follow the government directives and guidelines."

The coastguard also issued the following advice saying, "it's not a holiday, it's a national emergency."

The coastguard said this morning:

"Beaches won't be lifeguarded and if you get into trouble, you'll be putting the emergency responders and their families at risk of coronavirus too; they'll be risking their own lives to rescue you. And you'll be putting avoidable pressure on our amazing NHS heroes. Please just don't do it. The Government instruction is clear - Stay Home Save Lives."

The coastguard crews working alongside the emergency services are:

Penzance Coastguard Rescue Team, Mullion Coastguard Rescue Team, Porthleven Coastguard Team, Porthoustock Coastguard Rescue Team, St Ives Coastguard Rescue Team, H. M. Coastguard Portreath Rescue Team, St Agnes Coastguard Search & Rescue Team, Newquay Coastguard, Padstow, Cornwall, Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team, Portscatho Coastguard Rescue Team