Police have joined other emergency services warning people to 'Think Twice' before heading out this bank holiday weekend - but it seems not everyone has been able to resist the lure of the sun.

One reader contacted the Packet today to say how both Gyllyngvase and Swanpool beaches in Falmouth were busy with people today.

This included families with picnics and what appeared to be inflatable kayaks in the water, she said.

In a photo she took people can be seen wading into the sea - despite police previous advising against anyone entering the water at this time.

"Lots of people think it’s essential to get to the beach again!" she said.

Read more: Police say no surfing in Cornwall during Covid-19 lockdown

She also saw people walking back to their cars after being on the beach, with the road leading to Swanpool lined with cars this afternoon, as temperatures reached 19 degrees centigrade according to the Met Office.

Falmouth Coastguard Rescue Team has posted a message this evening warning people to keep watch of the tides.

Posting on its Facebook page the team said: "Please keep an eye on the tides! While out this afternoon, team members have witnessed four people almost getting cut off, making it back to safety just in time."

Anyone who is in danger, or who sees someone in danger, on the coast should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

Falmouth Packet:

Cars line the road to Swanpool in Falmouth this afternoon. Reader photo

A 'Think Twice' campaign has launched this May Bank Holiday, asking people to consider their actions before leaving the house to continue to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "This is an unprecedented public health emergency and it is taking an unprecedented national effort to fight this virus. What we do collectively can mean the difference between saving lives and risking lives.

“The lockdown that we are currently living through affects us; not being able to be with family or friends; impacts on peoples work and businesses; financial concerns and the impact that this plays on our mental health – this is a challenging time.

“We need to do all we can to prevent this virus from gaining the ability to escalate further. So I am asking you to ‘Think Twice’ before you consider leaving your home.”

Lockdown conditions are still in place, which means people should only leave their house for essential food shopping or medical supplies, for exercise once a day, in case of emergency or as a keyworker unable to work from home.

Falmouth Packet:

People on Swanpool beach this afternoon. Reader photo

“Now is not the time to relax social distancing measures and to pop and see a few friends. The government direction, at this time, continues to be to socially distance and it is important that we all adhere to it.

“An area that concerns me is the gathering of groups. Whilst we will continue to engage with people to understand, over the weekend my officers will enforce as a last resort," added ACC Mayhew.

The force recently undertook a public survey seeking views on how Devon and Cornwall Police are working through the Covid-19 lockdown. The results came back that more than 91 percent of responses were supportive of the current approach.

ACC Mayhew said: “The key to making this work within Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly is for everyone to continue to be fair and reasonable.

“Our approach, policing by consent with the public, partners and communities has been well received. This approach continues to not be taken lightly and we are fortunate that the vast majority of people not only in our counties but across the country are staying home and protecting lives.

“Thank you for all your support, and please ‘Think Twice’.”