P255 CEEFAX 255 Sat 25 Aug 23:37/45 1/4 jj5/l4 5 ! "£ SEASIDE EPIDEMIC With the good weather conthnuink and more people visiting the seaside, coastguards are urging parents to think carefully before allowing thieu children in the sea with inflatables, dinghies and airbeds. The annual toll of runaway inflatables shows no sign of abating. Last yjaz coastguards assisted in 214 incidents involving inflatables with 29 people losing their lives. MoreP255 CEEFAX 255 Sat 25 Aug 23:34/20 2/4 )£d—,s1 jj5/l4 u z 5 ! "£ SEASIDE EPIDEMIC Coastguards warn that though many inflatables may look like boats they are djsignjd for use as toys rathj than seagoing craft. This makes them particularly susceptible to the sudden gust of whnd or strong current. Inflatables are best kept for the swimming pool or left on the beach but if they are taken to the sea some precautions are recommended. MoreP255 CEEFAX 255 Sat 25 Aug 23:34/04 3/4 ! "£ SEASIDE EPIDEMIC Coastguards recommend that - You never put to sea in an offshore wind. You can check with the local coastguard for a weathjt forecast. Make sure the inflatable is securely tethjtid to the shore or use a heavy weight to anchor it to the sea bed. Stay with your children whilst they are on the inflatable. MoreP255 CEEFAX 255 Sat 25 Aug 23:31/11 4/4 ! "£ SEASIDE EPIDEMIC Coastguards recommend that - Make sure your children are wearing some kind of buoyancy aid; preferably a life jacket. Make sure your inflatable dinghy has a pair of oars. Ensure your inflatable is airtight and doesn't leak. More