Parents should check weather and tides before they visit the beach

All the children, aged between three and 12 years old, got into difficulties at Camber Sands, in East Sussex.

Dover Coastguards said of those who needed help, between eight and 10 had drifted off on a type of inflatable toy.

Most had floated across the entrance to Rye Port and were heading towards Greatstone on a north easterly wind which had been forecast.

'Sea demands respect'

Now the coastguard is warning parents to be aware of the dangers of using inflatable toys and is promoting its Sea Smart Campaign aimed at preventing the thousands of accidents which occur at the seaside each year.

A Dover Coastguard spokesman said: "We are reminding parents that despite the arrival of the warmer weather to please check weather forecasts before going out on the water or allowing their own children to do so.

"It is also advisable if you intend to put to sea in a boat, then you should always carry all the right equipment you will need to sustain yourself if you get into difficulty.

"The sea is still very cold and can catch people unawares.

"Despite the warmer air temperatures the sea demands respect as prolonged immersion in sea water can still cause hypothermia."

The Sea Smart messages are: