VISITORS to the coast are being urged to check tide times after a partially submerged campervan had to be salvaged by rescue teams.

The owners of the vehicle, a couple from Gloucester, had parked up on the beach at Brean and gone for a walk – seemingly unaware that the incoming tide would soon surround the vehicle, leaving it stranded as its wheels sank into the soft sand.

Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards and a crew from BARB Search & Rescue were called to the beach to check no one was stuck inside and to recover the vehicle.

Beachwarden Dave Furber said: “The couple had walked off onto Brean Down and hadn’t realised the tide would come up so high or reach their campervan. They were very grateful for the help from the crews.”

BARB’s volunteers winched the vehicle free and the couple made a donation to the charity to cover its costs.

BARB spokesman Mark Newman said: “Fortunately, the tide was not too high on Sunday evening and the campervan could be recovered and driven away, but not all motorists are that fortunate.

"Our advice is always to check the tide times if driving onto local beaches – the beach warden can help with this information, and it is always displayed on signs on entrances to the beach.”