3 days ago
Woman blown out to sea still clinging to inflatable crocodile off Scottish coast
Three people had to be rescued by the coastguard after the inflatable toys they were riding on were caught by high winds.
Two teenagers on an inflatable mattress were 'blown out to sea' off Ayr Beach at 5pm on Monday.
After being rescued, the pair were brought back to shore and 'given safety advice' by the coastguard.
Shortly afterwards, on the same beach, a woman on an inflatable crocodile had to be rescued by members of the public after being swept away from the shore.
One exhausted local Davie Wilson immediately rushed to help.
He paddled out into the waves to alert the stranded people that help was on its way.
Returning to shore after 'running out of puff', the brave man refused water instead choosing to chug on a two-litre bottle of Irn Bru.
Between gulps of the bright orange drink, he told Ayrshire Daily News: 'I wanted them to know that someone was coming to get them.'
After being called a hero, he shook his head and said: 'I'm glad they are alright.'
One commentator said: 'Bananaman had bananas, Popeye needed spinach but this local hero needs Irn Bru.'
A coastguard spokesperson confirmed that all three are 'safe and well'.
'They stayed within their inflatables, but they were being blown out to sea,' the spokesperson added.
Although inflatables might be fun in a swimming pool, they are not suitable for use in the sea. They can easily be swept out by currents or offshore winds.
Reduce the risks:
If you see an inflatable that's been blown out to sea, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Leave inflatables at home.
Choose a lifeguarded beach.
Never use inflatables in the sea.
Make sure children are supervised.
If you get swept out to sea, remain calm and shout for help.
Ayr Beach is located on the western coastline of Ayrshire in the south west of Scotland.
One of the best beaches in Scotland, Ayr Beach has been awarded a Seaside Award from Keep Scotland Beautiful.
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