Teenagers rescued from sea by lifeboat in Devon

Boy and girl were caught by fast rising tide

A pair of teenagers were pulled from the sea by RNLI volunteers after they got caught by rising tides on a coastal walk.

The 14-year-old boy and 15-year-old girl were walking with their father who jumped into the sea in an attempt to save them.

As they were being swept out, they were spotted by a former lifeboat crew member who quickly called the station.

The volunteers pulled the girls from the sea at Instow beach, Bideford, Devon, before saving the father.

"The tides around this part of the coast and within the estuary are particularly strong with a large rise and fall," said Martin Cox, Appledore RNLI Coxswain.

An RNLI spokesperson added: "It was by chance whilst the girls were being rescued that the crew spotted the father in the water, also in severe difficulty, having swum out to try and save them".

"Please take care. If any member of the public sees any person in distress in or around the water, please phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard."