COASTGUARDS are urging people to be prepared when taking to the water after they were called out to a possible kayak in distress in west Dorset.

West Bay Coastguard was called just after 12pm today to Freshwater Holiday Park near Burton Bradstock, after a father, his eight-year-old daughter and his 13-year-old son launched off the beach in an inflatable kayak and paddled out to sea.

The mother, who remained on the shore, was quite worried at the distance out to sea they had travelled, and became concerned for their welfare – especially with an offshore wind blowing.

Coastguards arrived and contacted the mother, who confirmed her family had made it back to the shore, with the assistance of another kayaker.

A Coastguard spokesperson, said: “Details were taken and safety advice was given as the kayak did appear to be under-inflated and none of the family went to sea wearing a lifejacket.

“If taking to the water this summer, always make sure you are prepared for your trip.

“Take appropriate clothing and wet weather gear as well as a supply of water, a charged mobile phone and always wear a lifejacket, they are useless unless worn.

“While this was a false alarm, we would always prefer to be called out to any potential emergency and never feel that our time is wasted.”