LIFEGUARDS have rescued two young girls who were dragged out to sea while clinging to an inflatable.

Humber Coastguard spokesman said multiple 999 calls were made by onlookers who spotted the girls were getting into difficulty off Tynemouth Long Sands beach, North Tyneside, at 5.40pm today (Thursday, July 17).

He said: “We got reports that two young girls were being dragged out to sea and were struggling to stay afloat while clinging to individual inflatable.

“Brigade members arrived on scene and made contact with the RNLI beach lifeguards who were unaware of the incident.

“The lifeguards immediately launched their rescue boat to assist the girls with their boat arriving on scene seconds before Cullercoats lifeboat.

“The lifeguards then brought the two girls ashore and found them to be safe and well, if a little shook up after their scary experience.

“They were issued with strict safety advice about how best to use inflatables and to make sure that they stay close to the shore.”