TWO men were lucky to escape with their lives after they were swept out to sea by heavy surf.

But rescuers, who battled through the swell in lifeboats, looked on in amazement as the pair were washed back ashore by the huge waves.

The pair, aged 16 and 20, got into difficulty 400 yards from the shore near the Majuba carpark at Redcar, east Cleveland, on Saturday afternoon.

Rescue teams, including coastguards and the crews of both Redcar lifeboats, struggled to see the swimmers because of the strength and height of five-metre surf.

When they eventually spotted them and moved lifeboats into a position to rescue them, the large breaking waves washed the two men ashore.

The swimmers, both from Redcar, were treated for the effects of the cold water and shock.

Last night, lifeboat officer Dave Camish urged people not to underestimate the power of the surf, even in the summer.

"These two men were very lucky," he said. "Once they were swept out, they had no say in the outcome - they were at the mercy of the sea, which, thankfully, spared them."

In a separate incident on Friday evening, three boys in their mid-teens were cut off by the rising tide at Marsden Rock, near South Shields, South Tyneside, sparking a major rescue operation.

Onlookers heard the boys calling for help after struggling to get back to shore for more than two hours.

Lifeboats and coastguards were called, but helicopter assistance was required as sea conditions were difficult.

The helicopter crew reported seeing waves crashing right over the boys. They were winched to safety and taken by helicopter to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, in Newcastle, for checks and observation.

Mike Puplett, watch officer for the Humber Coastguard, said: "Both these incidents required a great deal of rescue resources.

"Marsden Rock is notorious for people getting cut off. The incoming tide can be very strong and these lads could easily have been swept off the rocks and injured.

"People often swim out further than they think they have and then find it difficult to get back to the shore.

"We would encourage people to be aware of the tide and weather conditions before they take part in any kind of water sports."

For routine queries about tides and weather conditions and any other related queries people can call (01262) 672317.

In an emergency, they should call 999 and ask for the coastguard.