A COASTGUARD rescue team was called to Maldon's Beeleigh Falls on Friday (31 July) after youngsters were seen jumping into the water on the Chelmer Navigation.

The call out, which came on one of the hottest days of summer so far, has prompted the team to remind residents and visitors to the waterways to make sure they keep safety a top priority.

Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Maldon Fire Station called for help from South Woodham Ferrers Coastguard Rescue Team after reports of young people jumping into the locks and falls at the popular Beeleigh Falls site.

A spokesperson for the coastguard team, which is based at South Woodham Ferrers Fire Station, said: "We engaged with a number of children to warn of the hidden dangers in and around the locks."

The rescue team then moved on to Ricketts Lock in Ulting Lane, Maldon, to find a similar issue.

The spokesperson added: "We witnessed a couple of youths jumping from the bridge into the river one after the other, without checking where their friends were on the water.

"We don't want to discourage people from using and enjoying the water, but we would please ask that it is done safely."

Any emergency on tidal waters should be reported to the Coastguard by dialling 999. For emergencies on all other inland waters dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service.