Coastguards are warning of the dangers of inflatables after four teenagers were rescued off South Beach, Tenby, on Saturday.The teens, from Newport Gwent, were in two dinghies and had set off from Penally thinking that they would be able to paddle across to Caldey Island.
They were not wearing life jackets and had no safety equipment on board.
They were soon being taken further and further out to sea by strong currents and offshore winds.
A member of the public contacted the emergency services after seeing the dinghies in difficulty off Giltar Point.
Before Tenby inshore lifeboat (ILB) arrived at the scene the vessels had been secured by a passing fishing boat, the Stephen Williams, and the teens taken onboard.
They then transferred to the ILB which took them back to South Beach.
Milford Haven coastguard watch manager, Kevin Rogers, reminded the public of the risks of inflatables.
“They are toys,” he said. “They are not made for taking out in the open sea.
“In an offshore wind it can seem sheltered close to the shore but as you get further out you are subjected to stronger winds which makes it difficult, in an inflatable, to get back to shore.
“These vessels are not made for travelling any distance.
“Inflatables with children in them should always be tethered to the shore . Adults should be aware of an inflatable dinghy's limitations.”
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