Children nearly hit by giant wave as they visit coastline in Storm Ciara

A group of children were nearly washed away by a giant wave after they ignored warnings about standing too close to the coastline.

Volunteers at RNLI Porthcawl, in south Wales, asked people not to go to the harbour’s edge during Storm Ciara.

Instead, a 24-hour live-stream was set up so families could watch the 200ft waves from the comfort of their own home.

However, people were still spotted standing on the harbour on Sunday as a monster wave prepared to crash over their heads.

It is thought they were attempting to get photos of the water as it dwarfed the 30ft lighthouse.

A clip from the live-stream also filmed on Sunday showed a group of children running from a wave as it headed straight for them.

Several adults were also left soaked as they stood by a set of gates that warned them about venturing any further.

More than 30 flood warnings were in place across Wales on Sunday, while winds reached speeds of up to 70mph in the area.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Phil Missen said: ‘The intention of this webcam was to make our coastline safer for those who use the sea, beaches and coastal walks but also show some spectacular views, especially during stormy weather.

‘I’m confident that giving people access to these dramatic scenes from their living rooms helps discourage people from putting themselves at risk.

‘I’d certainly encourage people this weekend to watch the waves crashing safely via our cam and not put themselves in any danger.’

Launch Authority at Porthcawl Stephen Jones warned that Storm Ciara could cause ‘large waves and swells’ which had the ability to knock people ‘off their feet’.

He continued: ‘The sea is far more powerful than you think and your chances of survival are slim if you are dragged into the swell.

‘Our volunteer lifeboat crews will always launch to rescue those in danger at sea, but to launch into conditions like these could also put their lives at risk.

‘We understand why people want to experience extreme weather, but it’s not worth risking your life, so we strongly urge people to respect the water and watch from a safe distance.

‘If you see someone else in trouble in the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Don’t enter the water yourself as you could also end up in serious danger.’