VISITORS to the coast this weekend are being warned not to put their safety at risk.

On Friday night, the RNLI at Redcar issued an urgent sea safety warning, with strong northerly winds expected to create very rough seas this weekend, particularly on Sunday.

Current predictions are for waves up to five metres high, caused by strong northerly winds coinciding with the afternoon high tide.

Dave Cocks, Deputy Launching Authority at Redcar RNLI, said: "The forecast for this weekend means there are likely to be very rough seas, particularly on Sunday.

"Strong winds north of the UK are already causing the seas to build up, and over the next 48 hours the currents will bring large waves down into the North Sea, striking land on Sunday. The latest prediction is for waves up to 15ft high, which will definitely mean the sea will be breaking over the sea wall.

"With high tide being at around 5pm on Sunday there will be a great temptation for people to come to the seafront and watch the waves. We certainly don't want to spoil people's enjoyment, but they must show the sea the greatest of respect.

"A couple of years ago we had to assist an elderly gentleman who was struck to the ground by a large wave breaking over the wall, causing him to break all three major bones in his arm.

"If someone were to get too close to the sea and be washed in, it would be extremely difficult even for the RNLI to rescue them in those conditions, and it would be putting the lifeboat volunteers in grave danger themselves."

Mr Cocks said the RNLI's advice was to watch from a safe distance, always supervise children, and never venture on to the slipways.

"Anyone thinking of going out in a boat this weekend should check the latest weather forecast and sea conditions with the coastguards first," he said.