Beachgoers urged to check tide times after rescues

Beachgoers have been warned to check tide times to avoid being cut off on "incredibly dangerous" sandbars.

Wells and Holkham in Norfolk have been singled out by the RNLI, where natural channels up to 2m (6.6ft) deep can create isolated islands hours before high tide.

It said 12 people and four dogs had already been rescued there this year after becoming stranded.

Mandy Humphreys from Wells RNLI said: "The tide comes in deceptively fast and people can quickly become trapped."

"We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful coastline, but it can be incredibly dangerous on the sandbars even when they look safe and inviting," she added.

The charity said 170 people had been rescued from Wells beach in the past five years, of which 100 had been cut off by the channel that forms up to four hours before high tide.

The RNLI advised walkers to dress appropriately for the weather, carry a fully charged mobile phone in a waterproof cover and to call the coastguard on 999 if cut off by the tide.

Ms Humphreys warned people against trying to swim or wade back to the beach.

"Yes, it can be embarrassing to have been cut off, but no-one ever died from embarrassment," she said.

"You can get cold-water shock and you run the risk of potentially drowning."

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