BURNHAM-on-Sea Coastguard has praised the quick-thinking of a member of the public after concerns were raised for two people's welfare.

The Coastguard was called at 9.34pm on Monday (October 21) after a member of the public reported seeing a person wandering around the beach in the dark.

The team arrived at the station and spoke to the member of the public who told them he had seen

some people at the far end of the slip way with their phone torches on.

The man said one of the people returned to the Esplanade but another person had turned their light off and was wandering around in the darkness before disappearing from view.

The Coastguard approached the people involved to check they were okay but they were met with a negative response.

A spokesman for the Coastguard, said: "When we are called we have a duty of care to ensure as far as possible that all persons are accounted for and that there is no one else in danger, so with this in mind we approached the person involved to check.

"Sadly not everyone is pleased to see us and this was fully evident from the response received.

After explaining that we were only there to ensure their safety and that they weren't in any trouble the two people involved said "they were having a paddle and that it's allowed"

"After trying to explain about the currents that sweep across the jetty and being ignored they went on their way.

"We aren't here to stop your fun but we are here to help keep people safe or rescue them if things go wrong, we respond due to concerns for welfare.

"The member of public did exactly the right thing and we are always happy to attend even if they aren't happy to see us. If we approach you it's because we want to keep you safe.

"So if you ever have concerns for anyone along the coast just dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."