Three schoolchildren were killed and another was missing today when a rip tide dragged them out to sea in Indonesia.

The 13 pupils, who were all from a local comprehensive school in East Java, allegedly ignored warnings to swim in choppy waters during a field trip.

However, strong currents swept them away from the shore on the Drini Beach in Gunung Kidul Regency this morning.

Rescue teams rushed to the beach after receiving a report from the teachers.

Dramatic footage shows volunteers rowing on a wooden boat toward the children, seen in the video struggling to stay afloat amid powerful waves. They battled to pull the kids onboard as the tides crashed onto the beach.

Medics performed CPR on the unconscious pupils before they were rushed to the Saptosari Hospital.

Local rescue official Surisdiyanto said the pupils were among 277 people who arrived at the beach for an outdoor class activity.

He said: 'Upon arriving at the beach, the students immediately swam together. After a while, they were in the middle area and were swept away by the waves.

'Possibly, these students could not swim so they were dragged by the waves to the middle of the sea. Of the 13 students who were swept away, only nine were rescued.'

Seven of the survivors were taken to the Saptosari Hospital. Two more in critical condition were shifted to the Sardjito General Hospital Yogyakarta for more intensive care.

Rescue officers said three pupils were killed. They were identified as Alfian Aditya Pratama, 13, Malfen Yusuf, 13, and Bayhaki F, 13.

Another pupil, Rifky Yudha Prataman, 13, was missing.

Beach rescue coordinator Marjono said: 'They were playing in the rip current. Officers always warn tourists not to play in the area, but they are often ignored.

'Tourists are urged to follow directions and heed warnings. Don't be reckless in playing in the sea, especially in the rip current area.'

The Yogyakarta Meteorology Station warned of moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms battering the Yogyakarta region, including Gunung Kidul Regency, until January 28.

In a January 26 forecast, the weather agency said: 'The warm sea surface temperature around Javanese waters indicates the potential for additional water vapor mass which can increase the growth activity of rain clouds.

'Locals should remain alert for potentially extreme weather in the next three days.'

On December 19, university student Merlin Septiana, 18, was washed away by waves while taking selfies at a beach in Indonesia.

She had arrived with her friends to take photos at Semeti Beach in Central Lombok Regency but was believed to have been struck while wearing loud headphones that may have blocked the noise of the waves.

She was seen desperately clinging onto a boulder as the churning waters battered her. But she soon slipped and disappeared under the foamy white torrent.

Rescue teams found Merlin's limp corpse being thrashed against rocks several hours later.

Indonesia's beaches, though stunning, pose several dangers including strong rip currents, rogue waves, and unpredictable tides that can make swimming perilous, especially for inexperienced swimmers.