TWO women were "lucky" to escape serious injury after they were found in the water off Sully Island.

The volunteer Penarth RNLI crew were called out just after 7pm on Sunday, May 28.

It was part of a busy weekend for the crew which also saw them called out to four separate incidents.

On Sunday, both the station's lifeboats sped to the scene and two HM Coastguard rescue helicopters were diverted to attend along with members of the Penarth Coastguard team.

The women swam to shore with one needing medical assistance from an ambulance at the scene after suffering cuts and bruises and having been immersed in water.

A spokesman for Penarth RNLI said the incident could easily have ended in tragedy.

"We would respectfully remind people contemplating visiting the island that the traffic lights indicate when it is safe to walk over the causeway; and to take heed of the signage and know the time of high tide," he said.

"People who do find themselves cut off should ring 999 and ask for the coastguard, on no account should people attempt to swim back as the tidal force is very strong. The two people today were very lucky."

On the Friday (May 26), the station's D class lifeboat were called just after 6pm to reports that there were people on Sully Island.

It was later confirmed that there were two people camping on the island overnight and so it was a false alarm with good intent.

Jason Dunlop, Penarth RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said: "If you are staying overnight please let Milford Haven Coastguard know on 01646 690909.

"This was a false alarm with good intent and we again worked closely with our colleagues from Penarth Coastguard Rescue Team."

On Saturday, May 27, both boats were called out at 1.17pm to attend a 31ft yacht which had suffered engine problems.

General assistance was given to the yacht, and the yacht placed at anchor whilst the skipper made the necessary repairs to the engine.

Just as the crew had prepared both lifeboats for their next service, they were told of another yacht which had run aground near Lavernock Point.

As the vessel was badly listing, the D class lifeboat went to investigate.

The skipper of this vessel was just waiting for the tide to turn and he subsequently refloated without any assistance from the lifeboat.

Jason Dunlop, Penarth RNLI lifeboat operations manager, said: "For many of the volunteer crew both shouts led to four hours down at the station, but of course we would always rather be called.

"Thanks to our colleagues at Penarth Coastguard station for their assistance."