A youngster spotted drifting out into the ocean aboard an inflatable unicorn sparked a massive rescue operation as horrified onlookers watched on.
Coastguard teams in North Ayrshire, Scotland, responded to reports that a kid had been blown out to sea by the winds on the beach last Sunday.
Thankfully a paddleboarder and jet skier happened to be passing and saw the child in distress, coming to their rescue before coastguard and rescue team officials could respond.
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Members of the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team, as well as Ayr Coastguard Rescue Team and Troon RLNI Lifeboat all responded to the emergency, but the child had been saved by the time they got there.
(Image: Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team)
Volunteers had gone to the child’s aid while a helicopter was dispatched with two paramedics on board in case the child needed further medical help.
Images from the scene showed the helicopter land on the beach, with two other coastguard vehicles spotted nearby to the site of the helicopter landing.
The child is said to not have suffered any significant injuries or required hospital treatment and was reunited with their family soon after the incident thanks to the paddleboarder and jet skier’s quick thinking.
A coastguard spokesperson said the ordeal “highlights the dangers” of bringing inflatables to the beach, The Mirror reported.
(Image: Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team)
Kevin Paterson, Station Officer of the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team, said: “We continue to urge the public to leave inflatables at home when visiting the coast – they are designed for the swimming pool, not the sea.
“This incident highlights once again the dangers and how a sudden change in wind direction can quickly turn a pleasant afternoon at the beach into a serious emergency situation.
“The quick thinking of the paddleboarder and the jet skier also undoubtedly had a significant positive impact on this incident and we extend our thanks to everyone who was able to assist.”
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