The Port St Mary RNLI crew changed course on a routine training exercise to respond to an incident.

The volunteer crew launched the inshore lifeboat Spirit of Leicester on their training exercise on Tuesday.

Mid exercise, the helm saw a young girl, aged 12, frantically waving to attract attention.

According to a statement released by the RNLI, it became clear that she was in ’great difficulty’ and the crew responded accordingly.

This occurred after the crew observed a group of four girls swimming between Kallow Point and Perwick Bay.

They had decided to keep an eye on the group in case they got into difficulty as the area was known for strong currents, according to the charity.

Due to the proximity to the rocks off the Powder House adjoining Strathallan Castle, a crew member entered the water to support the casualty and guide her back to the safety of the shore.

The charity’s statement read: ’The girl was lucky to be spotted, as there were no other boats in the vicinity.’

Lifeboat operations manager, Sarah Keggen, said: ’The coast is a great place to enjoy the holidays but this rescue highlights the need to respect the water.

’Fortunately there was a very happy outcome to this incident but it could have been a totally different outcome if the inshore lifeboat crew hadn’t been out on exercise and been able to respond to the situation so close to the safety of the shore.’

Morgan Guy, the helmsman, added: ’The girls were very fortunate that the inshore lifeboat was in the vicinity and responded so quickly.

’It was a situation where time was of the essence.’

Having ensured that the casualty was no worse for her ordeal, the crew member rejoined the inshore lifeboat which returned to station.