A Lifeboat chief is warning the public to stay safe by the sea this Easter after coming to the rescue of a stranded teenager.

St Bees RNLI and Whitehaven Coastguard were called to the aid of teenagers, who were stuck on Tom Herd's rock just south of the West Pier in Whitehaven on Sunday.

The crews rescued one person from the rock after the other had swum ashore to call for help. Now, they are urging people to act responsibly around the coastline.

"We are all glad that on this occasion we were able to rescue the young person cut off by the incoming tide," said St Bees Lifeboat operations manager Dick Beddows.

"But I would advise anyone who intends on going down to the sea locally or when on holiday to always check the local tide times.

"These can easily be found online, in the local papers and at your local lifeboat or lifeguard station.

"Big waves can cause a lot of damage as exciting as they will look, respect the water and if you do see someone in difficulty, dial 999. Keep an eye out for other people."

The RNLI say roughly 170 people drown around the UK each year, which is more than those killed in cycling accidents.

Unpredictable waters, including rip currents and tidal cut offs, are common risks as well as cold water shock and the effect of alcohol.

To stay safe by the coast, the lifeboat crews recommend swimming at a lifeguarded beach when possible, read signs and be aware of local hazards and carry a means of calling for help.

On Sunday, the lifeboat was able to get up close enough to the stranded teenager to enable them to get safely onboard.

A spokesman from the Whitehaven Coastguard said: "The casualty was transferred to St Bees ILB and taken to the inner harbour and handed over to awaiting Cumbria Police.

"Another brilliant example of multiple agencies working together to achieve the same goal."

Earlier, Whitehaven Coastguard and St Bees RNLI had been called out to reports of a possible overturned boat or kayak about 300m to 400m off Whitehaven's north pier.

Once the team arrived on scene they realised it was in fact a large log. Due to the log's location, it was deemed to be in a position where it could be a danger to vessels in the area.

St Bees RNLI brought the log ashore. Another log was then spotted so members of the team brought that one ashore as well but due to its size, they couldn't bring it above the high water mark.

If you see someone in danger, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard. For more safety information, visit rnli.org/respectthewater