DANGERS OF INFLATABLE DINGHIES IN OPEN WATER

                                                                                                                
A search took place this evening for two young girls in an inflatable dinghy, off Sandgreen, Gatehouse Of Fleet (Dumfries and Galloway).

Liverpool Coastguard received a call from the mother of one of the two girls just after , she was concerned for the safety of the two girls as she had not seen them for at least an hour.

Liverpool Coastguard sent the Kirkcudbright Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene and requested the launch of the Fleet Bay Independent Rescue Boat, Port William Independent Lifeboat and the RNLI  Kirkcudbright Inshore Lifeboat. A rescue helicopter from RAF Valley was scrambled and the Solway Coastguard Sector Manager was sent to the scene.

Paul Parkes, Watch Manager, Liverpool Coastguard, said:

“I am pleased to say the two girls were found safe and well, but had drifted a mile from their original destination and were found by a canoeist who assisted them with a tow until the Fleet Bay Independent Rescue Boat arrived on scene and took them back to Sand Green.

We would like to remind the public that inflatable toy boats can easily be blown out to sea; if you do use them always ensure they are tethered to an adult who is standing at the water’s edge with them. Inflatable boats and toys must not be used in an offshore wind. If people do find themselves being swept out to sea on an inflatable boat or toy, we advise you to stay with the boat or toy and shout for help, waving arms if possible. Do not attempt to swim for shore if out of your depth.”

Notes to Editors

1. Stay safe - before heading out on the water get trained, check weather and tides, wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol and keep in touch

2. Follow us on Twitter. Find us at MCA_media

For further details contact:
The Maritime & Coastguard Agency Duty Press Officer
Office hours: 023 8032 9401
Mobile: 07764 624 505
Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.mcga.gov.uk

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