RNLI issues warning after pair blown out to sea on inflatable dinghy in Gwynedd

The RNLI has issued a safety warning after two people were blown out to sea off the coast of Gwynedd on an inflatable dinghy.

Lifeboat volunteers were called out at 4.55pm yesterday afternoon following reports that the pair were being swept away from Criccieth by the wind.

The crew launched from Criccieth Lifeboat Station and found the dinghy located around 500m off the coast.

They assessed the two people to ensure they didn’t require medical treatment, before transferring both aboard the lifeboat.

They then took them back to the shore at Criccieth Beach and into the care of the local coastguard team.

The RNLI said that although the pair were carrying a mobile phone to call for help, neither was wearing a lifejacket.

One had entered the water with the aim of swimming ashore but fortunately returned to the dinghy to await rescue.

The charity said: “The RNLI’s advice regarding the use of inflatable watercraft is that they should not be used on any open water and only used in swimming pools.

“In addition, anyone going afloat should always wear a lifejacket and be prepared for changes in wind direction and a turning tide, all of which had been contributing factors in this instance as the pair had had no intention of heading further than a few metres from the beach.”