Teens who took an inflatable out to sea were rescued by an RNLI crew which says the incident “could have ended in tragedy”.

Three children drifted almost two miles from where they had entered the water in Leysdown on a rubber ring and a flat board.

The Coastguard had received multiple emergency calls and tasked Sheerness RNLI lifeboat Buster to rescue the teenagers at 3.30pm on Tuesday (August 20).

The lifeboat crew found the children around one mile offshore from the Shellness Beach area and they were drifting rapidly further out to sea.

They were taken onboard the lifeboat, returned to shore and passed into the care of the Sheppey Coastguard Rescue Team and the crew of the Coastguard Rescue helicopter that had landed nearby.

They were checked over by paramedics due to being very cold and were thought to have swallowed seawater.

Their craft was taken back to shore by a small RIB vessel which had launched after being alerted by the youngsters’ father.

He had also been on the water but had managed to get himself back to the beach.

Sheerness RNLI coxswain Paul Jarvis said that this incident could have “ended in tragedy” due to the use of “unsuitable and dangerous” inflatables.

He added: “We urge people to be aware of the dangers these ‘beach toys’ present.

“In this particular incident, there was a force five to six westerly wind blowing and on the ebb tide this was a recipe for anyone, no matter how experienced, to get into trouble.

“Fortunately, this time there was a good outcome for all involved.

“Please enjoy our beautiful coastline but if you are going into the water, please make sure you go to a lifeguarded beach and follow the advice of the lifeguards who are on duty.”