Warning on sea inflatables danger

Inflatables are considered dangerous for children to use alone

A campaign to warn people about the dangers of using inflatables in the sea is being stepped up.

Hartlepool Council is teaming up with lifesaving organisations as children are due to break up for the holidays.

Trading standards officers have already reached an agreement with some retailers not to sell inflatables to children unless they are with an adult.

A demonstration is being held on Friday at Seaton Carew to show how easy it is to get into difficulties.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), HM Coastguard along with the council's lifeguards and trading standards officers are involved in the campaign.

Swept out

Principal trading standards officer Michael Welsh said: "We are stepping up the campaign prior to the school holidays to raise awareness about the dangers of using inflatables in the sea.

"We are not just targeting young people, we are wanting to get the message across to adults too, because they may not be aware of the consequences of their children using inflatables.

"Shops that sell inflatables in Hartlepool have been very responsible and everyone we have approached has agreed not to sell them to children unless accompanied by an adult. They should be applauded for this."

Last month, a number of people had to be rescued at Seaton Carew after they were swept out to sea on inflatables.

Council beach safety officer Debbie Wood said: "The dangers of using inflatables in the sea cannot be over-emphasised.

"If the tide is going out and there is an offshore breeze an inflatable can very quickly be swept out to sea. Friday's exercise is designed to demonstrate this."