17 people rescued after being swept out to sea in Bournemouth

A group of 17 people have been rescued after they were swept out to sea in a rip current off the Dorset coast.

The flash rip current appeared off Bournemouth Pier Beach shortly before 13:00 BST on Monday.

The lifeguards managed to rescue the group who were between the red and yellow flags off the beach and were seen being dragged out to sea.

The group were brought to safety via rescue boards and a rescue watercraft.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor, Ethan Fox, said: “It’s very unusual for a flash-rip current to develop in this area, but when they do form they develop quickly.

“Thankfully the group were well prepared and had followed the charity’s advice by swimming between the red and yellow flags closely monitored by the lifeguards throughout the day.

“If this would have happened outside the flags, the lifeguards would not have been able to respond so quickly and assist the large group safely back to shore.”

The charity reminded beachgoers to remember its current beach safety advice.

Today’s news summary – Paper Talk

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