Would you take inflatables to a UK beach?

[ewchoc]

Going to stay by the beach in the UK next week and debating whether to take the big inflatable toys we would play with in the paddling pool at home (lilo/big turtle/unicorn, that sort of thing). The kids would love to play with them, but it will probably be too cold to be actually swimming and I'm worried they'll blow away. We went to the same beach last year and it was very windy!

Do you take big inflatables to UK beaches or would you recommend against it?

No, it's not worth the risk.

There's stories every year about children being swept out to sea on inflatables.

I would only ever take them if they are 100% securely tied to a rope and you have hold of it. High risk of getting swept out to sea otherwise.

No. The RNLI in our area has had its busiest summer ever. Many, people who have drifted too far on inflatables.

No. Too much hassle to carry for the use they'll get and dangerous.

Body boards are good though.

No. Bad idea - you have to get arch like a hawk and it becomes no fun.

They'll get blown away or the kids might get taken out to see. Not worth the risk. The sea is normally freezing too.

Never - I grew up near the coast and had it absolutely drilled into me never to use an inflatable (it was only lilos in those days) in the sea.

No way.

Gosh no, even the thought of it makes me nervous

No. Pretty sure RNLI suggest not to as well.

I wouldn't even use them with a rope. I once caused severe panic on a beach in France (when I was plenty old enough to know better) by letting go of the dingy that had my sister in it so I could return someone else's ball.

Terrifying how far she drifted in that moment.

No!

I wouldn't take to any beach
For pools only imho

RNLI advice:
www.facebook.com/watch/?extid=SEO----&v=1078037516022465

Well everyone in Weymouth has inflatables. It’s shallow so we have a rope attached and one dc (10-13 years old) ensures they are out of the boat while the other two are in it. You can safely play in the sea but it depends on the beach and weather.

No way, our local coast is the North Sea and inflatables can be swept out in seconds.

No. Too many kids being rescued off them .
Plus, you’ll spend the whole day stopping them from flying away.

You should never, ever allow children to take inflatables in to the sea. A relatively gentle wind can blow them out to sea very quickly.

I was swimming recently in a very sheltered cove. Young teenager was on an inflatable and was swept out of her depth very suddenly (she couldn't swim). Luckily it was very busy, she realised before she got too far and someone helped her in.

Our beach has a sign saying 'NO inflatables'!

I wouldn't take them to any beach, ever.

No, terrible idea in any sea, not just UK. Keep them for the pool.

But definitely swim! Get everyone wetsuits (you can pick up quite cheap ones in Lidl, Sainsburys, most beach shops now), including yourselves. The water's lovely at the mo, and getting warmer, but you'll be able to spend way more time in the water with wetsuits, and don't have to worry so much about suncream either.

Make sure the wetsuits are snug fitting, loose ones do nothing to keep you warm.

used to as a kid, but i do remember getting swept out in one which was scary. I wouldnt do it now, as we are far more aware of the dangers

Not a chance in hell

No bodyboards are a much better idea

Please don't use inflatables, it is not worth the risk. I also wouldn't use them on lochs. Our lochs are too deep and cold for their use.