Schoolchildren rescued at beach

Seven schoolchildren were injured after getting into difficulties on a beach.

Three of the seven, who were celebrating SATs results on a trip to Prestatyn, Denbighshire, had cuts and bruises and swallowed sea water.

They were taken to hospital and four more children, from a group of 44 from Grange Primary School in Stoke-on-Trent, were treated for minor injuries.

Head teacher Rachel Beckett said the trip was fully risk assessed. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is investigating.

Coastguards received a call at 1210 BST after beach guards said they were going into the sea to help a child.

Later they asked for an ambulance to go to the scene after they found that seven children were injured in all.

"The council has been made aware of what happened by the school and has launched a health and safety investigation into the incident"

Coastguards said there were six teachers with the school group.

The Rhyl Coastguard rescue team and the inshore lifeboat attended to help the beach guards and the ambulance service.

Kacey Elkes, 11, was one of the pupils taken to hospital after hurting her leg.

She said: "(It) felt really horrible and it was really scary. It really hurts as well."

Kacey said she would be happy to go on another school trip, but not one to the beach.

Head teacher Rachel Beckett said: "Year six pupils attended a day trip to Prestatyn to celebrate the school's 100 per cent success rate in Maths and Science SATs. The trip was fully risk assessed and six staff accompanied the 44 children - above the recommended staffing ratio.

"A group of children were supervised to swim in the water. One child became distressed in the sea. The lifeguard was alerted and the situation was dealt with quickly. As a result of the incident a group of around 10 other children climbed onto nearby rocks that were slippery.

"As a precaution three children received hospital treatment, one for a hurt knee and two as a precaution because they had swallowed some water. I am pleased to say all children are well."

Well-trained

She added that the children, including those taken to hospital, went on to enjoy a full day out in Prestatyn.

Ms Beckett said: "I am writing to parents to make them aware of what happened and to reassure them of our levels of supervision and care during our school trips."

A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesman said: "The council has been made aware of what happened by the school and has launched a health and safety investigation into the incident."

Barry Priddis, from Holyhead Coastguard, said: "Local authority beach guards are very experienced, knowledgeable, are well-trained in beach safety and are on hand during hours of duty, to offer to all beach users safety advice and warning of the dangers at the seaside.

"We would advise all users of the beaches around the UK if they are unsure of their surroundings to check the tides, take advice and if you see anyone in trouble at the coast dial 999 and ask for the coastguard."

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