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Rescue teams had to help remove a car from a Somerset beach after it was 'engulfed by the tide'.

Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team was called to the scene at Brean Beach at 7.34pm on Saturday (May 4), after a woman told the beach warden that her car had been picked up by the tide.

She had parked at the top of the beach at low tide earlier in the day, but then went for a walk along Brean Down without realising how far the tide would come in later on.

The Rescue Team said that the driver was "very emotional and shaken" by what happened, but they managed to tow the car out of the mud.

They have warned drivers to always be wary of tides, especially when going to a new beach.

(Image: Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team)

Full Statement from Burnham Coastguard

Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team offered a warning to drivers about being wary of tides.

It described rescuing the woman's car on its Facebook page.

It said: "Just as the weekend was getting underway and most of the team were enjoying (an alcohol-free) Saturday night with family and friends we were tasked to a car that had been engulfed by the tide while on Brean Beach.

"The driver had parked up on the top of the beach in an acceptable location and while the weather was nice had decided to go for a walk along Brean Down not realising the tide would come that far in while she was gone.

"As she made her way back down the steps she could see that the tide was now starting to pick the vehicle up and move it about a bit.



(Image: Burnham Coastguard Rescue Team)

"Once back on the base she approached the beach warden and identified she was ok but was very emotional and shaken by the event and her fitbit confirmed that her heart rate was very fast due to the anxiety of the unfolding event.

"So as a precaution we were tasked to provide safety cover to BARB Search & Rescue - Burnham-on-Sea hovercraft who were tasked to help tow the car out of the mud but more importantly to ensure the driver was OK.

"Once we arrived the tide was just starting to turn so we liaised with BARB and agreed that there was no danger to anyone in the water so therefore await the retreating tide to uncover the cover before commencing any recovery.

"We ensured the driver was calm and provided a blanket and some comforting words for her as she was suffering a little shock from the ordeal.

"As the tide receded beyond the car two Coastguards checked the vehicle for any leaks etc, the fog lights were intermittently on and off and the airbags had been deployed while the footwells and boot were full of water.

"We then provided safety cover for BARB who quickly set about towing it up to the concrete ramp where it was then left for Weston Recovery Services to collect for the insurance company.

"Once they had finished they set off home and we waited for the recovery truck who in no time arrived and had the car up on his lorry.

"Once all this had happened we could return to station where it was fast approaching 11pm so we packed up quick and headed back to our families and friends to finish the evening.

"A big thank you to the Brean Bird Garden who came out and provided teas for all the team and the lady involved it was really appreciated as the wind was becoming quite chilly as it blew in.

"Although this happens a few times a year and there are signs about when you enter the beach, we should spare a thought for anyone in this predicament, a lapse of judgement, a misunderstanding of tides, an over sense of security as the water looks so far away when the tide is out.

"Maybe the biggest of all is that if you don't know the beach and someone says it's a 10.6 metre tide today but you have never seen that, it's hard to visualise where that comes to on the beach especially if you have just turned up for the day and never been before.

"In this instance, the driver did the right thing and parked in a designated area, her only downfall was not realising the height of the tide.

"Which is why we believe that beach safety and knowledge is so important, not just for locals but more importantly for those who don't have access to beaches on a regular basis.

"And just as important is knowing who to call in an emergency at the beach. 999 ask for Coastguards."

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