THE Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team were called out to rescue two children swimming in Leasowe Bay.

At around 7.10pm on Wednesday, May 1 the team received reports that two unsupervised young children had entered the water and were swimming too far out in Leasowe Bay.

RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station Hovercraft and RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat Station Atlantic class lifeboat were tasked immediately and asked to proceed to this location.

The Coastguard team arrived on the scene and with the precise location being uncertain managed to locate the first informant after a short search.

It was confirmed that the two children had returned to safety soaking wet and had made their way across the golf course towards Leasowe.

Coastguard vehicles attempted to intercept them on the far side of the golf course to check on their welfare and offer safety advice but they had made rapid progress away from scene.

RNLI crews were then able to stand down and return to their stations.

A spokesperson for Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team said: “This was a particularly dangerous situation given that the tide was by this time rapidly going out.

“Not understanding the tides in this area can quickly result in even the strongest swimmers getting into serious difficulty.

“Please do not swim in areas that you are not familiar with.

“Always swim on a Lifeguarded beach when possible. Wirral Lifeguards are operating 10:00 to 18:00 weekends only at present. From Saturday 25 May they are present 7 days a week from then until the end of the summer season 27 September.

“Lifeguarded beaches can be found in New Brighton, Derby Pool, Moreton Shore (pasture Road) and West Kirby.

“If you do want to go cold water swimming in the sea consider joining a local swimming group with organised swim meets, but still make sure to ALWAYS check the tides.

“Please do not swim alone or allow your children to swim unsupervised.

“If you see anyone in difficulty in the water dial  999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.”