During their patrols over the bank holiday weekend, RNLI lifeguards at Porthcurno beach in Cornwall encountered these gentle basking sharks.

This species of shark is a seasonal visitor to British waters, arriving in significant numbers between May and October each year.

Reaching lengths of up to 12 metres, the shark is easily identifiable by its large dorsal and tail fins.

These gentle creatures are harmless and feed on plankton.

Cornwall is known as a basking shark hotspot. Other areas include Devon, the Isle of Man, Malin Head in Northern Ireland and the islands of Mull and Skye in the Inner Hebrides in Scotland.

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