Two children and an adult were dramatically rescued after being swept out to sea.

They were swimming close to Walton Pier at 3.25pm yesterday when the current dragged them out.

A group of three young men, from Colchester, spotted the danger and dived in to rescue the stricken swimmers.

They then hauled them out of the water and called for an ambulance.

A spokesman for the coastguard service paid tribute to the rescuers. He said: "It was very brave of them to help.

"The swimmers had a lucky escape and were lucky that members of the public were able to assist them."

He added: "People should be aware of the tide and the fact it is dangerous when the tide swirls."

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Published Tuesday, September 7, 2004

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