Large waves and strong winds are set to hit the south west of the country on Monday and Tuesday as a low-pressure system continues to build off the UK.

The Met Office is warning that we can expect to see waves between 6 and 12ft high through the peak of the swell on Tuesday along western shores.

Large waves will also be accompanied by blustery conditions, with the potential for gale force winds along the coast.

An RNLI spokesman said: “Large waves could make some normal coastal activities we take for granted significantly more risky; the force of surging water or breaking waves can easily knock you over and quickly and drag you out of your depth and once in the water it can be difficult to get out.

“Those particularly at risk from these conditions are walkers on beaches or harbour walls when the water is high; spectators looking at the waves who get too close; and anglers fishing from rocks or exposed headlands.  With a low pressure and high winds forecast, areas that you may have considered safe before could be underwater when large waves come ashore.

“If you are planning a coastal activity, our advice is to respect the water; watch the shore from a safe distance and assess the conditions – think about the risk before deciding if you need to go closer.”

The large waves are the result of a low pressure, which is currently to the west of Ireland.

As the low gets closer to the UK it will track to the north of Scotland, but the waves it generates will continue marching east towards our coasts.

The size of the waves on any given beach will depend on a number of local factors.

Tides are not particularly large at the moment, meaning the risk of coastal flooding is low for the next few days despite the big waves.

The Environment Agency said: “The flood risk is very low for the next few days. We always monitor the situation closely, working alongside partners, including the Met Office and local authorities, and issue alerts and warnings if required. People and businesses can sign up to receive these free flood warnings and to check their flood risk via our daily flood risk forecast and live Flood Warnings map.”