BEACHGOERS are being reminded of the dangers of inflatable rings after three people had to be rescued after being blown out to sea on Thursday.

New Quay RNLI’s inshore lifeboat was launched at around 3pm on Thursday following reports of three people being blown out to sea on inflatable rings off Traeth Gwyn beach.

In a strong offshore wind, the crew at New Quay Lifeboat Station had spotted three persons on inflatable rings in difficulty.

Pete Yates, New Quay RNLI’s helm said: “We spotted the group about a quarter mile out from the beach so we observed them for a while.

“Initially they abandoned one of the rings and were making good speed back to the beach. All seemed okay, but then the group of three, each in a rubber ring started to slow, with one adult beginning to attempt a swim tow with the other two.

“At that point I could tell they were in real danger so I went to prepare the inshore lifeboat.

“Once kitted up we launched and quickly arrived on scene. One person had made it ashore but the adult was still towing a young person who was quite shivery and cold.

"We got them both aboard and took them back to the beach to their family. I’d say they were a little shaken up and it was a very good decision to observe them and then launch, so a good outcome!”

Roger Couch, New Quay RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager added: “Many of the emergencies the RNLI responds to involve inflatables and that is a key reason why the RNLI strongly advises against taking them to the beach.

"Inflatables are not designed for open water and it takes very little breeze for them to be swept out to sea much quicker than you can swim or paddle back to the beach.

“Remember if you get into danger in the water, relax and float to give yourself time to recover before swimming to safety or calling for help. If you see someone else in danger, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”