A group of children filmed playing close to stormy waters and strong waves could have died, the Commissioner of Police warned yesterday.

Stephen Corbishley also highlighted that the adults who allowed the children near the water as Hurricane Teddy approached could also have put the lives of emergency services at risk if a rescue attempt had needed to be mounted.

Mr Corbishley, who posted comments about the incident on his Facebook page yesterday, said later: “While the current storm may not appear to be as severe as Hurricane Paulette, it still poses significant risks across the island.

“While people are amazed at the waves, it is extremely dangerous to get close to them. The video highlights the naivety of some who are putting children at great risk.

“There are massive undercurrents and, in the blink of an eye, a large wave could immediately take a young child, and potentially an adult, out to sea with the likelihood of death resulting.”

Mr Corbishley was speaking after a video posted on social media, believed to have been shot yesterday in Devonshire, showed four children playing on a dock as a large wave headed towards them.

The video showed three adults standing farther back with three other children.

Mr Corbishley said the incident could have ended in tragedy.

He added: “Police and coastguard resources would have to be deployed which would put them at grave risk in trying to rescue them.”

He appealed to the public: “Please follow guidance by the Emergency Measures Organisation — stay out of the water.

“If people do chose to go to the waterfront, it is important to stand a significant distance away and to have no contact with the water. Never underestimate the power of Mother Nature.”

Mr Corbishley said police went to the scene of the Devonshire incident and issued a stern warning to the adults involved.

Renée Ming, the national security minister, said earlier: “I cannot emphasise enough that no one should go into the waters during this storm.”