A parent called the coastguard after a group of paddleboarders, including their child, drifted out to sea without lifejackets.

West Bay Coastguard were alerted just before 5pm on Sunday to reports of three teenagers and one child drifting out to sea on paddleboards oppostie Eype beach.

Both officers from West Bay and the Lyme Regis RNLI lifeboat made their way to the area but as they were arriving, an update was received that the group had made it back to shore safe and well.

A spokesman for West Bay Coastguard said: "Officers carried out a welfare check, took details and gave safety advice as none of the group had been wearing lifejackets.

"Once concluded, the officers made their way back to Eype car park where they were then alerted to a second incident back on Eype Beach.

"When heading out to sea on leisure craft, please make sure you are fully prepared for your activity.

"Wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device, make sure you are wearing appropriate clothing and that [someone] knows what you are doing, where you are doing it, and what time you will be back.

"Stay safe on the coast this summer, but in a cliff or coastal emergency, dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

The second incident was to help a 59-year-old woman officers saw fall onto rocky ground near the steps from Eype Beach to the car park.

The spokesman added: "Officers updated Solent Coastguard and attended the casualty with their first aid pack to provide aid.

"Luckily, after an initial assessment, the lady was found to be mostly bruised with no obvious or significant injuries.

"She was helped to her feet by the officers then escorted back into the care of a nearby family member and advised to seek medical help should any symptoms present themselves."