Children rescued after drifting out to sea

The Irish Water Safety Association is issuing a warning about the dangers associated with toy dinghies.

It follows the rescue of two children who drifted a mile out to sea in one of the vessels off Stradbally in Co Kerry this afternoon.

A swimmer had tried to reach the youngsters, but turned back forcing a local boat to race to their aid.

Roger Sweeney from the Irish Water Safety Association said today that proper parental supervision is the key to preventing tragedy.

The two children were rescued after the dinghy in which they were playing began drifting out to sea.

The rescue operation was mounted at around 1pm this afternoon.

The children, aged 8 and 13, were rescued by a local boat and reunited with their parents.