A lovely trip to the seaside turned into a nightmare for one set of visitors to Ainsdale Beach.
Birkdale man Pete Searle was walking his dog on Ainsdale beach on Saturday morning when he spotted a car surrounded by sea water.
Pete told the ECHO : "It looked like an Audi but I am not 100%. At first I was concerned that people might be trapped inside the car. I waded into the sea a bit and soon realised the car was empty.
I managed to get a couple of pics on my iPhone. I think they got stuck in the sand on the beach and then the tide came in."
The owners of the car later paid for it to be recovered.
Sefton Council warned drivers that 'lives were at stake' when people ignored rules when on the beach.
A spokesman said: "We are aware of a vehicle finding itself in difficulty on Ainsdale beach on Saturday, July 27.
“This vehicle was privately recovered at costly expense to its owner but the situation could have even been much worse.
"Luckily this time nobody was injured but there is a real risk of lives being put at stake when people ignore the dangers that high tides and soft sand can present.
"Vehicles also contain chemicals and oils which can cause pollution to our beautiful and protected coastline.
“Warnings are in place and we would ask all visitors to our beach car parks adhere to the rules in order to keep themselves and others safe.
“If in doubt please see www.sefton.gov.uk/beaches for more information and advice.”
