SOUTHEND Coastguard has thanked kite surfers who spotted two teenagers who were on the verge of drowning off the coast of Shoebury.

The two 14-year-olds, a boy and a girl, were spotted by three kite surfers who were out near the sandbanks of Shoebury Barge Pier.

The teenagers struggling in the water as they had been caught out by a rip current whilst they were wading through water which was still on an outgoing tide.

Both casualties were by then being quickly swept out by the tide towards the shipping lanes, with the female casualty not able to swim, her male friend was trying to keep them both above water in the strong currents. 

Echo:

The teenagers being brought back to land by the coastguard 

A Southend Coastguard spokesman said: "The kite surfers briefly lost sight of them as they had gone under the water but were extremely lucky to have popped up above the water where they were again sighted and the kite surfers quickly went to their rescue just in time before they were lost beneath the water again.

"Coastguard Rescue Officers then proceeded out onto the mud towards the scene and to receive the two casualties from one of the kite surfers who had got them safely onto the mud flats.

"Both casualties were struggling with the signs of early onset hypothermia and having ingested water and there were concerns around secondary drowning.

"The casualties were quickly walked back to the slipway adjacent to the Coastguard station where the team performed urgent casualty care and to try and warm both casualties up from their ordeal whilst East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust was called to further treat the casualties.

"Post some prolonged treatment in the two ambulances the paramedics were comfortable to release both casualties into the care of their waiting parents.

"Southend Coastguard would like to say a big thanks to the three kite surfers who saved their lives. 

"This was an extremely close call for both casualties and shows the dangers of walking out onto the sandbanks and water channels surrounding them were rip currents can sweep you out to sea on an outgoing tide.

"We wish the two casualties a quick recovery post their ordeal.

"Please do not underestimate the strength and speed of an incoming or outgoing tide which is also influenced by prevailing local weather conditions"