Two children plucked to safety by Penarth's RNLI crews.

Together with friends the 2 children both boys aged around 12 years old had found discarded construction bags near Penarth Pier. The 2 boys pushed out to sea and boarded them, but very quickly were taken out to sea by offshore winds. Their friend realised they were in difficulty and called '999' to ask for the coastguard.

Our D class lifeboat launched very quickly after the initial crew page at 2.08pm. The two boys were brought back to shore, both were safe and well, but both were wet and cold. They were taken back to the station to warm up, where they were given blankets, drinks and chocolate.

The boys were lucky that their friends quickly called 999. With the offshore breeze the boys were quickly heading out to sea, and time in this rescue was absolutely critical. They had no life jackets available, and only thin summer clothes on. The water in the Bristol Channel remains cold through most of the year.

We would urge parents to ensure that their children know the risks of playing near or on the sea, especially with any type of inflatable. Jason Dunlop, lifeboat operations manager for Penarth RNLI station said, "we are so grateful that this rescue had such a positive outcome. Our crews responded quickly and we were able to effect a rapid rescue of the children. Had they been in the water for much longer, or drifted further the outcome could well have been more serious".

For more information please contact Andy Berry, Lifeboat Press Officer for Penarth RNLI, on 07951 051128, or Chris Cousens, RNLI Press Officer Wales, on 07748 265496 / [email protected].

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.