SWIMMERS are being warned about how quickly conditions can change after a woman who became stranded at sea after swimming through Durdle Door had to be rescued by a coastguard helicopter.

The swimmer, believed to be around 35-years-old, was on the seaward side of the landmark when the current pushed her onto a rock just after 4pm on Thursday.

Lulworth and Kimmeridge Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent to the scene, along with the HM Coastguard helicopter based at Lee-on-Solent.

The helicopter winched the woman from the ledge, returning to her to the clifftop where she was checked over by one of the Kimmeridge CRT members who is a paramedic.

She was taken to hospital by her husband, a paramedic, following the incident.

A spokesman at the National Maritime operations centre said: "We had a female that was on the seaward side ledge of Durdle Door requesting assistance, she was stuck.

"She swam through the arch and the current took her onto the rocks."

Duty controller for HM Coastguard, Duncan Ley, said: ‘This is one of those incidents which provides a stark reminder of how unforgiving the sea can be. What starts off seemingly as a fun swim can soon change.

“Tides, currents and even a sudden weather change, can make what seem an ordinary swim, suddenly very dangerous. We want everyone to enjoy their day at the coast, but we also want them to come home safely.”

He urged swimmers to stay within their depth.

Mr Ley added: “If you get caught in strong current or rip current try to stay as calm as you can, raise your hand and shout for help. If you can’t immediately get help, try and swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of trouble then swim to the shore. If you can stand up, wade instead of swimming.”

Anyone who sees someone in trouble should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Members of the public are advised against trying to rescue the swimmers.

A member of the Lulworth Coastguard Rescue Team said the rescue had been the fourth incident they had attended in three days.