Lifeboat crews were called out twice over the weekend to the aid of swimmers who had run into difficulties in the water.
Portishead RNLI was called at 1.40pm on Saturday to reports of a swimmer in difficulty by the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Coastguard crews, Avon Fire and Rescue Service, the police and the coastguard helicopter raced to the scene where a thorough search of the area was carried out against the backdrop of a rapid outgoing tide.
Crews were aided by the Bristol Port Company at Avonmouth who provided live updates on the depth of the water along the River Avon – due to the low tide – during the search.
After an hour of searching, crews were informed the casualty had managed to get to safety on their own.
Portishead crews were called out again on Sunday at just before 11am to reports that a swimmer had run into problems by Clevedon Pier.
Crews, who were already in the water on a training session, were on the scene within minutes.
On arrival they discovered another swimmer had gone to the aid of the first person in the water and had to be helped by the Clevedon Sailing Club rescue boat.
Helped by Clevedon Coastguard, the original swimmer was taken back to safety on the shore.
The spokesman added: “Being on the water already the volunteers made best speed to the area.
“As they arrived on scene they were updated that a sailing club rescue boat had assisted a second casualty who had bravely entered the water to help the original casualty.”
Crews are reminding people not to put themselves in danger if they see someone in trouble in the water and instead call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
The spokesman added; “ People should always call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
"Please don't put yourself in danger. The water temperature is dropping this time of year and cold water shock is a real danger."
