Hunstanton Coastguard issues warning after nine-year old boy swept out to sea on inflatable boat

A warning has been issued over the use of inflatables at sea following the rescue of a child on the West Norfolk coast.

Emergency services including Hunstanton RNLI and Norfolk Police attended yesterday afternoon’s rescue when a nine-year old boy had been swept out to sea off of Heacham North Beach on his inflatable boat.

A jetskier was located by hovercraft crew with the child onboard and the inflatable in tow.

The jetski towed in the youngster, with Hunstanton RNLI Hovercraft and Hunstanton and Sutton Bridge Coastguard rescue teams also called to the scene.

A Coastguard spokesperson said: “Please don’t take inflatable boats and toys to sea.

“They can easily be blown out to sea, especially in offshore winds.”