The tidal bore comes ashore at Arnside, scene of the rescue. Photo: Chris Tomlinson CC-BY-SA-2.0

Two walkers were rescued after being swamped by the rising tide at a Cumbrian beauty spot.

Liverpool Coastguard received a flood of calls about 11.10am today after the pair, who had two dogs with them, were spotted by worried members of the public, with the tide coming in around them at Arnside.

Five minutes later, one of the walkers called 999 to ask for help.

The man told the Coastguard they were trying to make it to shore but being forced back by the water.

Liverpool Coastguard sent the Arnside Coastguard Rescue Team, which is equipped with rescue jet-skis, to the scene, and requested the launch of the Morecambe RNLI lifeboat.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: “With the water coming in fast around the pair, 999 calls continued to come into the operations room from worried members of the public ashore.

“The coastguard rescue team located the casualties, who were by this time knee-deep in water, and supplied them with lifejackets and prepared them for transferral into the lifeboat, which arrived at 11.50.

“Liverpool Coastguard also called an ambulance, which was waiting ashore and checked over the two people, who were deemed to not require medical attention.”

Graham Parr, watch manager for Liverpool Coastguard said: “The spring tides present at this time of year bring tides that are both higher, and stronger, than usual, and so it is even more important that people check the tide times before they venture out on a walk.

“Of course, in this location, we also have the Arnside bore, a tidal bore that brings fast flowing water that can be perilous for anyone on the beach during an incoming tide.”

Arnside stands at the mouth of the River Kent where it flows into Morecambe Bay, and is notorious for the fast-rising tide, often accompanied by the tidal bore, which can rise to a height of 30cm (1ft).