The inshore lifeboat was launched from Barrow

The Barrow inshore lifeboat was launched at 1040 BST on Tuesday after a group of around 20 were spotted on Foulney Island.

An RNLI spokeswoman said some of the group decided to try to wade to the shore and two of them were up to their chests and one was in the water.

People are being warned to make sure they are aware of tide times.

Three men, two of whom were from Merseyside and one from North Wales, were picked up by the inshore lifeboat.

'Life-threatening situation'

The RNLI spokeswoman said: "The shore there has got debris and holes which get covered by the water and make it a very dangerous area.

"The lifeboat crews are worried these people are putting themselves in a life-threatening situation.

"They must make sure that they really study the tides and know when the window is to go out and make sure that they can get back.

"They need to keep an eye on the time and have some means to call if they need help."