THREE “teary” youngsters had a lucky escape after being dragged into the sea by a wave.

The boys in their late teens were playing around the water near Carrots Cafe near Shoreham in the high winds on Sunday afternoon at about 1pm.

The group were holding onto a ledge near the sea as waves crashed near their feet.

Video footage shows the moment a large wave washes over the boys, pulling them out into the choppy waters.

Simon Cassidy, a cab driver in the city, was taking pictures of the area with his family when he noticed the boys playing near the water.

He said: “The lads must have been about 17.

“They were sat on the ledge and the waves were crashing up.

“I saw them getting hit by the spray as the sea was very very rough.

“Then one wave completely took them out and took them down the slope.”

Mr Cassidy then sprang into action and ran towards a nearby life ring.

Two of the youths managed to cling onto the rocks, but one boy was taken out into the water completely.

Luckily for the youngster, a second wave pushed the teenager back onto dry land.

Mr Cassidy said: “He was so lucky, he scurried up the concrete bank and back to his mates.

“When I saw them, they all looked very shook up, and the lad who was almost washed out was teary.”

Mr Cassidy added he hopes the video can serve as a warning to those thinking of playing near rough waters.

A spokesman for Shoreham Coastguard said: “We are aware of an incident that took place in Shoreham yesterday, these youths were extremely lucky.

“We are urging people not to take unnecessary risk during this rough weather.

“In a coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.”