The RNLI has issued a warning to parents and children after a rescue mission had to be launched to retrieve two kids swept out to sea.
Both were on inflatable toys in the water this afternoon at Clonea Beach in Waterford and because of wind, both were pulled out to sea.
A lifeboat helmed by Alan Kelly, with crew members Paidi Breathnach, Cathal Reilly and Pat Devereaux onboard, was launched at 12.25 pm and headed north of the An Rinn peninsula.
The Irish Coast Guard originally made the call at 12:17 pm this afternoon after reports came in of the two people in danger.
The volunteer crew at Helvick Head RNLI arrived at the scene, but the two casualties had already been rescued by the Clonea Beach lifeguard team so the lifeboat crew stood by and monitored the situation until everyone was safely back on shore.
Speaking following the call out, Sean Walsh, Helvick Head RNLI Deputy Launching Authority said: "Thankfully all’s well that ends well and we would like to wish the children well and commend the Clonea Beach lifeguard team for their efforts in bringing them to safety.”
Warning parents, Mr. Walsh said: "While inflatables can be great fun, we would advise that you don’t take them to the beach as they are not designed for open water and it can take very little breeze for them to be swept out to sea - much quicker than you can swim or paddle back to the shore.
"Should you get into trouble or see someone else in difficulty, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard."
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