Two adults and a child were rescued from strong currents in Morecambe Bay in what the lifeboat crew said could have been "a devastating situation".
The three people had been caught in the currents near Jenny Brown's Point at Silverdale, were drifting away from the shoreline and unable to make it back.
The coastguard called out the Morecambe lifeboat crew at 12.14pm on Saturday.
The two adults and a child were found almost two miles offshore and suffering from the cold.
A spokesperson for Morecambe RNLI said: "Launch Authority Mark Lister authorised the immediate launch of Morecambe’s hovercraft under the command of Adam Mills which immediately made to the area.
"(The three people) were recovered and taken to shore leaving them in the safety of Arnside Coastguard.
"The hovercraft crew returned back to base whereby they made ready the craft for the next callout.
"This incident was extremely serious as whilst the casualties had a mobile phone they had no safety equipment including no life jackets.
"The casualties had already started to suffer the effects of the cold. If the crew hadn’t arrived when they did then this situation would have been devastating.
"We cannot stress enough anyone going out on the sea whether paddle boarding, kite surfing, sailing should always have the correct safety equipment including life jackets. Failure to do so as this incident shows could cost lives."


Friends from Morecambe to take on Ultra Marathon for brave toddler
Firefighters and swim centre team give key water safety message on Morecambe school visit
Police probe after stolen motorbike being ridden dangerously found in Morecambe
Man arrested in Lancaster after bridge jump hoax call
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
Morecambe’s Pride in Place Board give update on West End investment programme
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat

