Sea rescue
for girl swept out
in dinghy

Humber Coastguard said it launched a lifeboat at Ulrome, near Bridlington, just after 1pm yesterday.

A woman also needed medical attention after she entered the water to try to help the youngster, who was already 75 metres out at sea.

Humber Coastguard sent the RNLI inshore lifeboat from Bridlington to the scene and Bridlington Coastguard Rescue Team to the beach to stop anyone else going in the sea to help rescue the child.

The woman turned back to shore after realising she could not reach the girl and the lifeboat crew rescued the child, officials said.

Both were given medical attention but were said to be fine.

Humber Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre’s watch manager Mike Puplett, said: “Inflatable boats and toys are great fun in the swimming pool but we do not recommend that people use them at the seaside because, as we’ve seen today, they can easily be blown out to sea.

“If you do find yourself in the situation where you, or your child is being swept out to sea, stay in the boat, shout for help and wave your arms. Do not attempt to swim for shore and if you’re on the shore don’t try and rescue them yourself. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

The warnings echo those made last week after a massive search was launched at Portsmouth Harbour to rescue two girls and two men who went to their aid.

Both children, aged four and 10, were plucked to safety on Thursday, along with one of the men but the second man could not be found.