Essex Police have warned of the dangers of using inflatables on the sea after a launching a search for a potential missing child.

The marine unit’s boat, Sentinel, was partolling off Harwich on Sunday, July 6, when HM Coastguard reported that a small children’s inflatable dinghy had been seen off the coast of Frinton. A search eventually found the empty inflatable over a mile offshore. Coastguard Rescue Teams confirmed that no one was missing from the beachand the inflatable was recovered.

“The distance and speed that this inflatable travelled from shore highlights just how dangerous they can be at the seaside. We strongly recommend avoiding the use of inflatables along the coastline, they’re designed for swimming pools, not the open sea,” said marnie unit officer Craig Stoker.

The day before, Sentinel was called to Brightlingsea after reports of antisocial behaviour involving personal watercraft (PWC) riders. While there, officers engaged with two PWC users, taking the opportunity to explain local byelaws, including where speed limits begin and end. Afterward, the team moored at the town jetty, where they spoke with families interested in learning more about the police boat and its role in keeping the waterways safe.