The Coleraine Coastguard are warning beach-goers to be on alert after two young children had to be dramatically rescued last weekend.
The local coastguard said an incident occurred at the East Strand Portrush on July 18 involving two young children.
According to the local coastguard, the drama unfolded around 4:41pm when RNLI Lifeguards and a local surfer bolted to save the two youngsters, aged five and nine-years.
The children were given first aid by the lifeguards before being handed into the care of the ambulance service at the scene.
A spokesperson for the Coleraine Coastguard said: "The Coleraine team was tasked to the East Strand Portrush when two young boys got caught in a rip current.
"The two children, aged five and nine, had been swept out to sea near the Arcadia and were brought to safety by one of the RNLI Lifeguards on duty nearby, assisted by a surfer who had also become aware that the children were in serious difficulties.
"While on scene, the coastguard team was alerted by the lifeguards on duty about a possible second incident, where three bathers were seen struggling against the current further up the beach.
"Thankfully, on this occasion, the three swimmers were able to make their own way ashore, where they were given appropriate safety advice by the Coastguard Team, before leaving the beach.
"Rip currents are dangerous, fast moving areas of water which can carry even a strong swimmer out to sea.
"Their location and speed can vary and they can be hard to spot.
"The safest place on a beach like the East Strand is always in the areas patrolled by the lifeguards."
