VISITORS to Wirral's beaches are being warned about coastal dangers after the rescue of two children cut off by the incoming tide in Leasowe Bay.

Hoylake RNLI hovercraft was requested to launch by HM Coastguard just after 7pm on Friday (August 30) following a call that two children were stranded.

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team had also been tasked.

The hovercraft 'Hurley Spirit' and its volunteer crew launched and headed to the casualties’ reported location near to Barber's Folly on the Meols shore.

Arriving on the scene, the RNLI hovercraft crew found the two boys had been attempting to cross the rapidly filling tidal gutter to reach the nearby sea wall.

The volunteer crew brought the two boys on board the hovercraft.

After a check to make sure they needed no medical assistance, the hovercraft flew them ashore and passed them to the care of the coastguard before returning.

In a post on Hoylake Lifeboat Station's Facebook page, Hovercraft commander James Whiteley, said: "This incident highlights the real dangers around our coast, where fast flooding tides can quickly catch people out and cut them off from the shore.

"We hope everyone can enjoy a beach visit safely, but we urge everyone to check and understand tide times and heights, and be mindful that the lifeguards are now only on duty at the weekends, now that the summer holidays are over.

"If you're heading out, know your route to safety and always carry a means of calling for help.

"Try and avoid entering the water and dial 999 for the Coastguard in an emergency.

"If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, don’t panic and float to live - stay calm, lean back and extend your arms and legs, and float until you can swim to safety or call for help."