The rescue of paddle boarders who got into difficulty off Aberporth beach this week has been hailed as a "great multi-agency response."

It has also promoted fresh warnings of the dangers of paddle sports, which have become increasingly popular during the "summer of staycations"

"The team was paged to reports of paddle boarders in difficulty off Aberporth beach," said a spokesperson for HM Coastguard Cardigan.

"Cardigan Lifeboat was tasked and found the casualties approximately two miles off the beach, carried by the offshore breeze and current.

"The inshore lifeboat recovered the paddle boarders and the RNLI Lifeguard, who had also responded to the incident, to the beach, the Cardigan Coastguard team and RNLI Lifeguards Ceredigion."

Clare Rutter, Ambassador for Canoe Wales, responded to the rescue on social media by advising participants in paddle sports to adhere to safety advice.

"We have a boom in paddlesport, especially within the last year," she said.

"I urge anyone considering buying or hiring to get proper instruction, advice and training before venturing out on the water.

"Paddling is a really fun activity with multiple benefits, but can prove tragic when undertaken without prior preparation and checks and little to no use of safety equipment.

"Many local activity centres and paddling clubs will be able to advise and assist with this wherever you may live. Don't become another statistic #RespectTheWater."

Meanwhile Fishguard and Goodwick's RNLI Lifeboat crew was tasked to reports of two kayakers in difficulty in offshore winds on the Fishguard side of the East Breakwater.

"After quickly arriving on scene, the occupants of the kayaks had climbed onto the breakwater and two other gentlemen had offered to return the kayaks to the beach for them," said a spokesperson.

"With the original occupants of the kayaks accounted for safe and well, the ILB then escorted the boats back to Goodwick Beach where they were met by HM Coastguard Fishguard."