Barry Dock RNLI is reminding visitors to Barry Island to leave inflatables on the sand after two people were carried out to sea while using an inflatable kayak and a lilo.
The volunteer crew launched following reports of two people in the water, clinging to their inflatables and drifting between Cold Knap and Bull’s Point.
Both casualties had remained with their inflatables, which helped keep them afloat and made them far easier for the lifeboat crew to locate. They were also extremely lucky that the wind changed direction and pushed them back towards shore. Had conditions remained the same, they could have been swept into the Bristol Channel and towards Aberthaw within minutes.
The incident has prompted Barry Dock RNLI to reiterate that inflatables should never be used in the sea when there is an offshore wind.
Bill Kitchen, Lifeboat Operations Manager for Barry Dock RNLI, said: "People often underestimate just how quickly an offshore breeze can carry an inflatable away from the shore. What starts as a fun afternoon at the beach can very quickly become a life-threatening situation.
"Inflatables are designed for swimming pools, not the sea. Even on a warm, sunny day, the sea remains cold, and spending even a short period in the water can reduce your strength and make it much harder to get yourself back to safety.
"If you do end up in the water after coming off an inflatable, stay with it because it provides buoyancy, helps you conserve energy and makes you much easier for lifeboat crews to spot."
The charity is encouraging anyone visiting Whitmore Bay to check the windsock before entering the water. If the windsock is flying, it indicates an offshore wind and inflatables should not be taken into the sea.
Barry Dock RNLI is also reminding beachgoers to:
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Leave inflatables at home or use them only in swimming pools.
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Always check the weather and wind conditions before entering the water.
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If you get into difficulty, stay with your inflatable and call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
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If you see someone else in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard — do not enter the water yourself.
The RNLI’s message remains clear: inflatables are for the pool, not the sea.
The launch involved Helm Andy and volunteer crew members Dan S, Katie and Ben.
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