BEACH-GOERS are being urged to be 'responsible' after three people were lucky to escape being swept out to sea in west Dorset.

The warning comes three weeks after a man was killed at West Bexington while saving a child from drowning.

Three people including a child were taken to hospital after struggling in the water at Freshwater Beach near Burton Bradstock on Tuesday afternoon.

The group were playing close to the surf line when a large wave knocked one of them off their feet and quickly took them out of their depth towards the breaking waves. Two other people entered the water to help, but were quickly overcome by the large waves.

Fortunately, the group were able to reach safety.

A spokesperson for West Bay Coastguard, said: “Whilst the emergency services were on scene, Coastguard officers were deployed to two separate groups of people who were playing in the sea nearby, oblivious to the potential dangers.

“One of these groups contained two small children who were playing in and around the surf line. All were given stern safety advice and made aware of the grave dangers of the current sea conditions.”

A spokesperson for South West Ambulance Service said a man, woman and child were taken to Dorset County Hospital for treatment.

“Things could have turned out quite differently as demonstrated by the recent and tragic incident at West Bexington," added a Coastguard spokesperson.

“We strongly urge people to be responsible when visiting the coast and not to put themselves in danger, which in turn could risk the lives of bystanders and the emergency services.

“Never under any circumstances enter the water, scale a cliff or enter mud to try and attempt a self rescue as this only puts more lives at risk.”

The RNLI is reminding swimmers to use lifeguarded beaches and not attempt to rescue someone in difficulty.

In west Dorset, only West Bay Beach and Lyme Regis are managed by RNLI lifeguards.

Steve Instance, RNLI divisional inspector for lifeguards, said: "RNLI lifeguards are specially-trained and a great deal of their work is preventative – they give advice and warn people of potential dangers, to prevent incidents happening in the first place.

"Those who can’t make it to a lifeguarded beach should find out about their chosen beach before they go, check the weather and tide times and read the safety signs to make themselves aware of the local hazards. Most importantly, if they see someone in trouble, they should call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard – but should not enter the water themselves."