Pair blown out to sea on inflatable dinghy saved by eagle-eyed beach-goers  

Pair blown out to sea on inflatable dinghy saved by eagle-eyed beach-goers  

Two young people on an inflatable dinghy were rescued in an operation involving a Coastguard helicopter and RNLI lifeboat after eagle-eyed beach-goers spotted them being blown out to sea. 
Inflatable dinghy on a beach - stock photo

The alarm was raised by a series of 999 calls to the Coastguard from people enjoying an afternoon on the beach at Sandford, East Sussex, on Thursday 25 May. 

The two youngsters had been caught by the wind and were being driven further and further from the shore, unable to get back to safety. 

In response, the Newhaven Coastguard Rescue Team was despatched to the scene and the RNLI's all-weather lifeboat launched from Newhaven.  

As the dinghy drifted out of sight of the beach, a Coastguard search and rescue helicopter from Lydd was diverted from a training flight nearby and sent to guide the lifeboat in to recover the pair. 

Once safely on board, the youngsters were brought back to the beach and picked up by the waiting Coastguard Rescue Team. 

Maritime Operations Officer Emily Jones, who oversaw the operation from the Solent Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Fareham, said: “It was very lucky there were so many observant people on the beach who knew to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.  

"These inflatables are only meant for the swimming pool. They are not suitable for use at the beach because they are so vulnerable to going adrift on the tide or wind, and should be left at home.” 

She added: "If you see anyone in trouble, follow the example of these beach-goers: call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.” 

(Picture: stock photo)

 

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