A SWIMMER was saved after being found face down in the water under Clacton Pier.

The woman, who was aged in her 40s or 50s, was swimming off West Beach on Sunday evening.

But she was dragged under the surface and was found by two friends in the water underneath the pier.

They dragged her towards the shore and alerted the beach patrol team, who had been preparing to close the boathouse for the day.

Chris Simson and Sian Rowlen dashed into the water to help and put the woman in the recovery position while paramedics, police and coastguards were contacted.

“The woman was conscious when we got to her and she was talking to me,” said Chris.

“However, there was a lot of water coming out of her mouth.

“The ambulance soon arrived and took over looking after the woman. We helped get her onto the stretcher and into the back of the vehicle.

“The air ambulance was called in but not used and she was taken to Colchester General Hospital by road.”

The woman and her friends had been visiting Clacton for the day from Romford.

A warning has been issued for swimmers to keep away from the pier and breakwaters where the current is strongest.