A WOMAN and child were rescued off Southend seafront after they had got into difficulties in their dinghy.

The woman, who was suffering with symptoms of hyperthermia, had jumped into the water to hold onto nearby moored boats, while the child remained in the dinghy.

Both Southend Coastguard and RNLI teams were involved in the rescue.

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A spokesman from Southend Coastguard, said: "HM Southend Coastguard were tasked to reports of a women and child in difficulty in dingy that was being blown off shore by the winds.

"The women had tried to prevent being blown further out by jumping in the water to hold on to a moored vessels anchor rope and dingy.

"RNLI Southend quickly launched their ILB1 with Southend Coastguard guiding them to location.

"Once the casualties were brought ashore, an assessment was done on both casualties and a request was made to East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust to attend for assistance due to the women having symptoms of hyperthermia.

"Advice had already been given by the pier and foreshore officer advising many people not to go in the water with inflatables due to the strong north easterly winds as it can catch you out and blow you off shore.

"Should you see anyone in trouble on or near the coast, don’t hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, you could save someone’s life."