POKEMON Go players have been urged to stay away from the sea after three girls were rescued from the sea by the lifeguards.

The smartphone craze has shot to worldwide fame but the UK Coastguard has put out a safety reminder following the emergency operation at Hastings Pier.

Sussex Police called for help after reports that three girls were standing in the water near the pier at about 9.20pm last night.

The sea was rough and rescuers were concerned for the girls, who were reported to be fully clothed in the sea.

Police officers were able to get them onto dry land and they were t old not to go into the water again.

David Jones, Duty Controller for the UK Coastguard said: ‘We have been made aware of a few incidents over the past few weeks involving Pokemon GO and we want to reiterate the safety message we put out last week.

‘We don’t want to stop Pokémon hunters from having fun, but please be aware of your surroundings and be extra careful if you’re playing near water or the coast.

"Catching a pocket fictional creature is not worth losing your life over.

‘Remember to tell someone where you are going and what time you’ll be home.

"Try and stay between the red and yellow flags on the beach."