People cut off by tide at Exmouth

They managed to escape through water

Exmouth RNLI crew members launched on Tuesday after a report of people being cut off by the tide at Orcombe Point as dusk fell.

Three lifeboat crew members were on scene within the alert at 5.05 p.m. They weren't needed though, as the group had waded waist-deep through the seawater at made their way to the beach. No-one was injured.

Having checked and ensured the welfare of those involved, the lifeboat returned to the lifeboat station where it was on stand-by for its next call.

One of the lifeboat members, David Preece said: "We would always urge anyone reporting an incident at sea to call 999 at the first opportunity. In this case, it was fortunate that there were crew at the lifeboat station but that is not always the case. My advice for those using the beach is to always check locality, weather and tides before venturing out. A recent cliff fall has demolished a set of steps at Orcombe Point that makes leaving that location other than via the beach particularly hazardous."

The advice from the RNLI remains to have a plan, keep a close eye on your friends and family - not allowing them to swim alone and not to use inflatables.

If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE, fighting your instinct to thrash around. Lean back, extend your arms and legs and float. Always in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.