A SWIMMER was rescued from the water near Barry Island this week.

The Barry Dock RNLI crew lifeboat rescued the woman off Jacksons Bay.

The alarm was raised by her friends shortly before 7pm on Monday, July 18 after she had entered the water after having a few drinks on the beach.

Her friends became concerned when she was lost from sight.

The lifeboat crew were called to the scene and a coastguard helicopter was also scrambled.

Lifeboat crew launched both the all-weather lifeboat and the smaller inshore boat stationed at Barry.

Within minutes, the woman was rescued from the sea and pulled into the boarding boat.

She was transferred to the all-weather lifeboat for first aid then brought ashore and was treated at the scene by paramedics.

Police and coastguards were also present.

Hugh Davies, deputy coxswain, said: "Despite the warm weather, the seas around our coast remain cold.

"Cold water shock can kill. The dangers of swimming after drinking alcohol are well known so we remind everyone to respect the water this summer."

On Saturday (July 16), the crew were also called out to assist a 41 foot sailing yacht with a broken engine.

Although the yacht was able to continue under sail to Cardiff barrage, Barry Dock RNLI lifeboat worked with Penarth RNLI lifeboat to take it safely through the lock at Cardiff Bay and onto its mooring.