AN off-duty coastguard out for an evening stroll has saved two boys from drowning.

A third boy was rescued by a surfer after the youngsters got into trouble trying to swim against the tide at Saltburn, east Cleveland.

Skinningrove coastguard Paul Waugh was walking along the beach with his daughter when he heard cries for help.

He alerted the Coastguard before springing into action to save the 11-year-old boys, at about 7pm on Wednesday.

"I heard a commotion and it was clear the two lads were stuck by the pier," he said.

"I climbed over the edge of the pier and, thankfully, there was a life rescue ring. I managed to get it to one of the boys, told him to put it over his head and dragged him to shore, before going back for the other one. A third boy was taken ashore by a surfer.

"The boys were frightened, but some of their mates continued to jump in the sea, even after I spoke to them."

The rescued boys, from Saltburn, were among a group of about 15 jumping into the sea.

Tony Ellis, watch manager at Humber Coastguard, said: "All along the coast we get young people jumping off cliffs into rockpools.

"They call it tomb-stoning. Sadly, we think it is an appropriate name and I would like to take this opportunity to warn young people, and their parents, about how dangerous it can be."

Mr Ellis urged members of the public not to enter the sea if they see a swimmer in distress, but to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.