News

The Coastguard has issued a warning to parents after a series of rescues were need to saved children swept out to sea on inflatables.

With the warm weather and families heading to the beaches, the Coastguard has been called out on a number of occasions, using helicopters and lifeboats to save children.

Aberdeen Coastguard Watch manager Matthew Mace said: 'The recent spell of hot weather has prompted dozens of seaside rescues involving inflatables, including dinghies, lilos, rubber rings and inflatable toys.

'Every year Coastguards are called out to hundreds of incidents involving inflatables, which can easily drift miles out to sea with just a light breeze.

'Even if the sea is calm, there can be a strong undercurrent which can result in people being swept out to sea in seconds. Inflatables have no means of steering and can be punctured making them potentially lethal if not used properly.'

Mr Mace went on to warn parents to tie inflatables to the shore and make sure children wear life jackets. Children should also be well supervised.

He added: 'Tragically, children die in accidents on the coast during every summer season including drownings either from having been swept out to sea from rocks or the beach by freak waves or caught in strong currents or being cut off by the tide.

'Other incidents ending in tragedy involved jumping off high rocks, cliffs and piers and being buried by collapsing sand when digging on the beach.

'Don't let that happen to your children.'


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