TOURISTS visiting West Somerset beaches last weekend risked their lives on dangerous cliffs despite constant warnings that they could be crushed by cliff falls and landslips, Coastguard patrols reported this week.

Visitors were found dangling their legs over the cliff-edge at Kilve, and climbing unsafe cliffs at St Audries Bay.

Coastguards were also called to a medical emergency at Burgundy Combe, Minehead, and to incidents at Blue Anchor where groups of youths were moved from recent landslips after throwing stones at cliffs.

“Our biggest concerns are people sat on the edge of clifftops apparently oblivious to the dangers,” a Coastguard spokesman said.

“Many were unaware that there was thin air less than a few inches below them where the cliff was eroded away.

“With Covid 19 restrictions eased, we have seen a dramatic rise in visitors to our coastline and we have been working shifts on beaches and seafronts giving safety advice.

“For instance, at St Audries beach our station officer had to liaise with several groups who were in dangerous positions.

“We have also given advice to beach users who have been sitting under cliffs, and in several places directly below large cracks in overhanging rocks.”

On Sunday coastguards were called to a possible cliff rescue on North Hill, Minehead, but the casualty did not need assistance. Nor did a kayaker who was thought to be in difficulties.

The Coastguard spokesman added: “There has been a national increase in fatalities and serious injuries. We remind anyone visiting the coast to take care, avoid cliff edges and the base of cliffs, consider falling rocks and landslides and check the tide times.”