Tide throws swimmers onto rocks

A number of swimmers had to be rescued from the sea off Sidmouth in Devon after being dashed against rock groynes by unusual tidal conditions.

Groynes are man-made structures jutting out from the beach to prevent coastal erosion.

Coastguards said a "rare combination" of wind, tides and surf had created a strong current undertow.

Seven people were taken to hospital with minor injuries and ambulance crews treated others at the scene.

Reports of people getting into difficulty began around lunchtime on Thursday and a coastguard helicopter and lifeboat were called out to help them.

Andy Jenkins, watch manager at Portland coastguard, said: "The undercurrent was strong enough to push people towards the rocks.

"People were effectively being thrown onto the rocks."

He said it was "difficult to say" whether the hazardous sea conditions would continue.

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