A search for two missing people was launched after two beach towels were found abandoned in Westcliff.
The coastguard in Southend was called out to the seafront around 5pm yesterday amid fears two swimmers had got into difficulty in the water.
The two people had been spotted on beach towels but had then gone missing for more than an hour.
After starting its search, the coastguard was approached by two people matching the description of the missing swimmers.
They confirmed it was their towels left on the seafront and the coastguard was stood down.
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A spokesman said: “The two people, visiting from out of town for a few days, had left their towels on the beach to go to the cafe for something to eat and drink.
“Coastguard officers requested that in future to remember to take their belongings with them to avoid calls to emergency services concerned for someone’s welfare.
“We would like to thank the first informant for calling the 999 in, in this case it was a false alarm with good intent, the next time might be for real. “ The coastguard is urging visitors to Southend seafront to stay safe this weekend when the European Championships kick off.
It is urging anyone consuming alcohol to take extra precautions when around the sea.
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