Six young people cut off by tide at Askam
Rescue teams have issued a warning about the dangers of open water after six young people were cut off by the incoming tide at Duddon Estuary near Askam.
The group became stranded on Sunday after the tide moved in across the flat sands.
Five of the young people managed to swim back towards the shore against the tide. However, one person was advised to return to the sandbank and wait for help rather than continue trying to swim.
A fishing boat later reached the stranded person and brought them to safety.
Duddon Inshore Rescue and Furness Coastguard attended the incident, and the group was given safety advice after the rescue.
No serious injuries were reported.
Fast-moving tide caught group out
Duddon Estuary is known for its fast-moving tides and wide areas of flat sand.
These conditions can make the area look safe, even when the water is moving in quickly.
People walking or swimming on the estuary can find themselves cut off from the shore with little warning.
Rescue teams said the group had been caught out by the incoming tide, leaving them separated from the mainland.
Five members of the group were able to swim back, but one remained stranded.
The person was told to stay on the sandbank and wait for help rather than risk being swept away or affected by the cold water.
A nearby fishing boat was then used to complete the rescue.
Coastguard gives safety warning
Furness Coastguard staff were sent to the scene and spoke to the group about the risks linked to tides and open water.
Rescue teams reminded people to check tide times before visiting beaches, estuaries or sandbanks.
They also warned that conditions can change quickly, particularly in areas where the incoming tide moves across large areas of flat ground.
Anyone who becomes cut off should avoid entering the water unless there is no safer option.
Where possible, people should remain in a safe position and call for help.
Cold water shock can affect swimmers
Millom Coastguard Rescue Team also highlighted the risk of cold water shock.
Cold water shock can cause a person to gasp suddenly when they enter the water.
It may also lead to fast and uncontrolled breathing, which can make it easier to inhale water.
This can increase the risk of panic, exhaustion and drowning.
The team warned that sunny weather does not mean the sea or estuary water will be warm.
Water temperatures can remain low even during periods of hot weather.
People are advised to enter open water slowly rather than jumping in, allowing the body more time to adjust to the temperature.
Check conditions before entering the water
Rescue teams are encouraging people to take extra care when visiting the Duddon Estuary and other coastal areas across Cumbria.
Visitors should check tide times, stay aware of changing conditions and avoid walking too far across exposed sands when the tide is due to return.
People should also tell someone where they are going and carry a charged mobile phone where possible.
Anyone who sees a person in difficulty at the coast should call 999 and ask for the coastguard rather than entering the water themselves.
The incident ended safely, but rescue crews said it showed how quickly a day near the water can become dangerous.
