Three bystanders who were dragged away by a tidal surge in a creek were rescued in California.

The trio were hit by the wave as it swept through Scotty's Creek near Bodega Bay on December 23 afternoon before authorities arrived to help.

Footage shows the powerful waves surging from the sea in the area where the incident happened. The Sonoma Country Fire District saved all three from the water.

One of the beachgoers was found gripping on rocks while the other two were carried 449ft (137 m) up the creek - one clinging to a log while the other emerged from the water on their own.

An officer from the fire department said: 'Never ever turn your back to the ocean.'

The National Weather Service issued a high surf warning of dangerously large breaking ups up to 35ft (11m) along the coast between Sonoma and Monterey.