A MOTHER swam out to sea at Lyme Regis to rescue her two children after they fell out of their inflatable boat.

Beachgoers raised the alarm as the mother swam out to help her 10-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter, who got into trouble in choppy waters.

Lyme Regis Coastguards were sent to the scene and Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat was requested to launch just before 3pm on Tuesday last week.

Coastguards have sent out a warning to parents to take proper safety precautions when children are using inflatable toys, which can be easily blown out to sea.

The siblings’ boat had not been tethered to the shore and officials said they panicked after capsizing.

A coastguard spokesman said: “They capsized because the sea was getting a bit too choppy and they were trying to swim in and the mother was trying to swim out.”

Coastguard rescue officers made their way to the beach but the mother had managed to rescue the children and bring them safely back to shore by the time rescuers arrived.

The lifeboat was stood down but the coastguards continued to check if any medical assistance was required.

The family, on holiday from Halesowen, West Midlands, was given safety advice but did not need any medical treatment.

Lyme Regis Coastguard station officer Graham Turner said: “They managed to scramble back to shore without the lifeboat’s help.

“We were down on the seafront and we went straight to them to get their details.

“The lifeboat was pretty quick so it was all well covered and there were other boats out there.

“They just had a severe telling off.

“I just wish parents would tether the inflatables to something off shore using a piece of rope or string.

“Young children especially have no idea what to do and panic.

“They jump off the side and can’t get back in.

“It’s just usually a case of staying on it and getting rescued.

“But people panic and it tends to make it slightly worse.”

Portland Coastguard watch officer Tom Wright said: “We would like to remind the public that inflatable toy boats can easily be blown out to sea – if you do use them always ensure they are tethered to an adult who is standing at the water’s edge with them. Inflatable boats and toys must not be used in an offshore wind. If people do find themselves being swept out to sea on an inflatable boat or toy, we advise you to stay with the boat or toy and shout for help, waving arms if possible.

“Do n’t attempt to swim for shore if out of your depth.”