A Scots family has had a “lucky escape” after becoming trapped inside a cave with the rising tide.
The two adults and their young child were left "waist deep" in the current yesterday as the water level began to rise around them.
The family were out walking at Southwick Water in Dumfries and Galloway when they got cut off by the tide.
They decided to take shelter in a cave but soon became trapped by the waters.
Several coastguard rescue teams scrambled to the scene.
The family were eventually ferried to safety by Kippford RNLI.
Despite being “cold and shocked”, they luckily escaped the terrifying ordeal without injury.
Writing about the rescue, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: “A family has had a lucky escape after being rescued when they were caught out by the incoming tide at Southwick Water, Dumfries and Galloway.
“HM Coastguard received a 999 call just after 11:30 this morning (27th February) after two adults and a young child got cut off by the tide at Black Burn while going for a walk along Southwick Water.
"The family entered a cave and water quickly came in behind them, leaving them cut off and up to their waists in water.
“Thankfully they had a mobile phone and were able to call 999 and ask the Coastguard for help.
"A Senior Coastguard Operations Officer, Portling and Annan Coastguard Rescue Teams, Kippford RNLI and Nith Inshore Rescue were all sent.
The family were rescued by Kippford lifeboat and taken to shore where they were met by Portling Coastguard Rescue Team.
“Although cold and shocked the family didn’t need any further medical assistance.”
Graham Edgar, Senior Maritime Operations Officer for HM Coastguard said: “The family were extremely lucky, the tide can change quickly and you can easily get caught out if you’re not prepared.
“If you’re going for a walk along the coast this weekend remember, check the tides and weather before heading out, wear appropriate clothing, tell someone where you are going and when you will be back, take a fully charged mobile phone and if the worst should happen call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
