TWO children were rescued when their inflatable started to drift offshore - leading to calls not to use such craft on the sea.

Redcar RNLI was paged to launch by the UK Coastguard at 5.33pm yesterday and the lifeboat launched within ten minutes and went straight to the scene.

They found the inflatable that was carrying two children had been assisted ashore by RNLI lifeguards from Saltburn and returned to the beach.

Now those enjoying the beach during the heatwave are being urged to avoid the use of inflatables which are designed for the swimming pool.

RNLI operations manager for lifeboats Lewis Arnold said: "With the recent heatwave our crews have been exceptionally busy, as beaches have been very busy and that inevitably means we are getting far more call outs to incidents involving inflatable crafts.

"We are still collecting detailed data but so far this summer our lifeboats have been launched to over 80 incidents involving inflatables, that’s already double the number of these incidents than this time last year.

"The fact is inflatables aren’t designed for the beach, and it is easy to find yourself quickly swept out to sea.

"Blow up toys and airbeds are not suitable for use in the sea but if you do choose to use them, we would like to remind people to use them near the shore, between the red and yellow flags on lifeguarded beaches and to ensure their children are safely supervised.

"Never take inflatable toys, airbeds or kayaks out in big waves or offshore winds as you will be quickly blown out to sea. On lifeguarded beaches, the orange windsock indicates offshore winds."