TWO men were saved from drowning off a North-East beach over the weekend.

They were spotted in difficulty after jumping off Roker Pier, in Sunderland, at about 4pm on Saturday.

RNLI Lifeguards helped one man from the water using a rescue board, while the other was aided with a rescue tube to prevent him going under the water.

A lifeboat was launched and both men were taken to safety.

Jon Pollock, a crewman at Sunderland RNLI station, said: “One man was transferred to the waiting ambulance complaining of cramping pains in his legs, which had prevented him from swimming.

“The pair had been drinking prior to the incident and had been advised previously not to enter the water by lifeguards.”

He urged people not to swim after drinking alcohol and said: “The RNLI strongly recommends that people do not enter the water after drinking alcohol.”