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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Matthew Evans & Estel Farell-Roig

Parents 'oblivious' as girl, 10, found by chance in sea on 'boogie board'

A 10-year-old was found paddling without a life jacket on a "boogie board" 150 metres off the coast in Wales.

RNLI volunteers found the young girl near an Anglesey beach by chance.

And, while worried beachgoers were also heading out to help, the RNLI said her parents were "oblivious to it all" at the top of the beach.

In a statement shared to Facebook, RNLI's Moelfre crew said they escorted her back in and gave the parents stern safety advice.

The rescue crews were attending other incidents nearby when they saw the young child, reports North Wales Live.

RNLI volunteers found the young girl near an Anglesey beach by chance (Alamy Stock Photo)

The crew said: "Twice [on Friday], the volunteers were tasked to launch the Inshore lifeboat 'Enfys 2' due to incidents that involved paddleboards and a kayak.

"The first launch request came at 10.31am after two paddleboarders appeared to struggle in the strong offshore wind.

"The second shout came at 2.38pm after reports one person onboard a kayak was seen waving their paddle to attract assistance, again due to the 27-knot offshore wind.

"On both occasions, the casualties were assisted ashore and given sea safety advice by the RNLI crew and the mobile coastguard team."

It added: "After both shouts, the RNLI crew swept all the popular beaches from St Davids to Lligwy, advising several people on the water of the risks involved during any offshore wind.

"During the sweep on the first shout at Lligwy, the lifeboat crew came across a 10-year-old girl on her own on a boogie board approx. 150 meters offshore. No lifejacket.

"Concerned members of the public were starting to walk out to help her. Her parents were at the top of the beach, oblivious to it all.

"The RNLI crew escorted her back in and gave the parents stern safety advice.

"In the last few weeks, Moelfre lifeboat station has responded to several incidents involving inflatables, and most of the calls have been made during strong offshore winds.

"It may be sheltered close to shore due to shielding from cliffs, but the full force won't be felt until further offshore."

RNLI and HM Coastguard tips on how to be 'beach safe'

  • Have a plan - check the weather forecast and tide times and read local hazard signage
  • Keep a close eye on your family - on the beach and in the water
  • Don't allow your family to swim alone
  • Don't use inflatables
  • If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float
  • In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

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