COASTGUARDS are urging youngsters to stay safe on Clevedon beach this summer - as Britain continues to swelter. The warning comes after 12 youngsters were caught on the sandbanks as the tide was coming in. Luckily the group managed to clamber to safety an

COASTGUARDS are urging youngsters to stay safe on Clevedon beach this summer - as Britain continues to swelter.The warning comes after 12 youngsters were caught on the sandbanks as the tide was coming in.Luckily the group managed to clamber to safety and get to dry land before the incoming tide engulfed them.In a separate incident last weekend, the coastguard was called out after people heard a child calling for help in the Wains Hill area.A youth had become stuck on the rocks by Poet's Walk but managed to get himself to safety before emergency crews arrived.Clevedon Coastguard station officer Andy Hughes said: "The young people who had got onto the sandbanks really put themselves at risk."With the incoming tide, their escape route across the mudflats would soon have disappeared and they could have been in real danger."I understand the sandbanks are very appealing to young people in this sort of weather, but they can be extremely hazardous."Mr Hughes said he was concerned that the hot weather and school summer holidays could lead to more young people running into difficulties on the beach.He added: "Obviously at this time of year we do expect to be busier but we want people to be safe."The currents in the channel at Clevedon are very strong and only swimmers who understand the tides should venture into the water."We would advise anyone to make sure they understand the tides before they go into the water and never to use an inflatable. If anyone sees someone in trouble in the water they should ring the coastguard immediately on 999.