Inflatable pink flamingo sparks major sea search

A drifting inflatable flamingo sparked a major search operation off Portmarnock in dublin recently.

The Coast guard Operations centre was notified of an inflatable boat drifting off the shore at Portmarnock with nobody on board.

A multi-agency operation was launched involving shore crews of Coast guard personnel from Howth, life guards from surrounding beaches and local gardaí all searching the coastline.

Meanwhile the Howth rnLi inshore lifeboat searched the water and was assisted by other vessels in the area, while the Coast guard rescue 116 helicopter searched from the air.

The object was located and turned out to be a pink flamingo inflatable toy. A follow-up search was carried out and it was confirmed that there were no reports of any missing people. in a statement this evening, Howth Coast guard said: “We would encourage people not to bring inflatable toys to the seaside, as seen today they can drift very quickly away from the beach with an offshore wind.

“if you do something of concern at the coast never hesitate to contact the Coast guard at 999 or 112.”

Ahead of expected better waether following the damp July, Water Safety ireland has issued a water safety warning along with some advice on how to reduce your drowning risk.

With the weather getting warmer and sunnier, more and more beach-goers go swimming in the water. However, according to the charity, warm weather does not mean warm water as water temperatures remain cold.

The warning reads:

“Swimming in cold water can result in the rapid cooling of muscles needed to swim and stay afloat. Swim within your depth, swim briefly and be mindful that any cooling of the muscles can make it more difficult to swim safely.”

• Swim within your depth,