A DAD and daughter had to be rescued tonight after the girl was blown out to sea on an inflatable unicorn.

The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team sprung into action after spotting the young girl being blown far out to sea on the inflatable with her father swimming out to reach her, just before 5pm tonight.

By the time rescue crews got into the water the father had reached his daughter and was attempting to swim back to shore, while the inflatable unicorn had blown away.

The team contacted the Belfast Coastguard Operations Centre and requested the assistance of additional Coastguard Rescue resources with Troon Lifeboat also being immediately launched from nearby Troon Harbour.

A water rescue operator in full water rescue kit was deployed into the sea to help the pair back to the safety of the shoreline.

When they were back on land the father and daughter were escorted to the nearby Coastwatch First Aid post with immediate casualty care being provided. The team requested an ambulance to attend as both had said they had ingested some sea water during the drama.

Both casualties were checked over by paramedics on scene and thereafter conveyed to hospital as a precautionary measure.

Kevin Paterson, Station Officer of the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team, said: "This was an incredibly lucky escape for the young girl and her father after a sunny day at the beach quickly turned into an emergency.

"Fortunately in this instance, Coastguard rescue assets were already on scene as the incident unfolded and were quick to react with additional resources being immediately launched to the area.

"Inflatables are not designed or suitable for use in the sea, especially on days like today when the wind is blowing off shore. These inflatables should only be used in swimming pools where there's no risk of being blown out to sea and there's lifeguards on duty.

"We would urge everyone to leave their inflatables at home when visiting the beach, or if you were thinking of buying one on the way, spending your money on something else.

"Thankfully today's incident had a positive outcome with only the inflatable unicorn being lost to the sea."

Were you involved in this incident? Call the newsdesk on 01294 447521.