Mudeford RNLI, fire crews and coastguard team rescue two children stranded on mud near Christchurch Harbour Hotel

RNLI volunteers and firefighters rescued two children stranded on Christchurch harbour mud, one of whom was stuck chest-deep.

The alarm was raised around 3.15pm on Sunday, with reports the boy and girl were in difficulty near Christchurch Harbour Hotel.

Seeing them struggling, a member of the public called the Coastguard.

Due to the location, the Mudeford lifeboat crew travelled by car to the scene, arriving there about 20 minutes after the call-out.

Finding the boy up to his chest in mud, the crew used a rope to secure him while digging him out by hand.

A paddleboard and stretcher was used to stop themselves sinking in the mud, and they eventually freed the boy and lifted him onto the paddleboard.

Two local fire crews, along with Poole’s technical rescue team, helped as the boy was transferred to the stretcher and carried to the shore.

The girl, who had not sunk into the mud, was also taken to shore and given care by an RNLI crew member.

Both cold and shivering from their ordeal, the pair were wrapped in blankets and given warm drinks before being handed over to paramedics.

Two coastguard rescue teams also attended.

Mudeford RNLI volunteer lifeboat operations manager Tim Hewett said: “This was a very serious incident.

“Both casualties had been in the mud and water for some time and were cold and exhausted.

“The successful outcome was a true team effort. I would like to thank everyone who attended from the emergency services and to the team at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel who did everything possible to assist in the rescue.”

The incident, in which the casualties were thought to have been visitors to the area, prompted a warning to be extra cautious in and around the water.

Mudeford RNLI water safety officer Jane Parkinson said: “With the current warm weather we are seeing more local residents and visitors swimming in the sea and children are exploring the harbour and beach.

“It is important to be aware that during low tide the mud can be very unsafe to walk on and getting ‘stuck in the mud’ can happen very quickly.

“Always seek local advice about safe areas to walk, check the tide and weather forecast and plan your activity accordingly.”