LIFE-SAVING lifeboat crews were deployed to an emergency after swimmers reportedly found themselves caught up in a rip current.

Harwich RNLI's inshore lifeboat was launched to reports of two individuals in difficulty in the sea in Dovercourt.

Initially, reports suggested the pair were caught in a rip current due to the changing tide, making them unable to return to shore.

Rip currents are powerful currents running out to sea, capable of dragging you away from the shore and into deep water.

Although the instinct may be to swim hard if struggling in the water, the cold water shock can result in swimming gasping uncontrollably.

This can lead to breathing in water and drowning.

Thankfully, as the crew responded and started to make their way to the location, they were updated that both people had managed to get out of the water.

The crew was asked to continue to the scene, however, to provide casualty care until paramedics could take over. 

Di Bush, Harwich RNLI Coxswain said: “The individuals did the right thing in the situation they found themselves in, they floated on their backs with their legs and arms outstretched to conserve energy."