BEACH goers have been warned not to use inflatables in the sea after crews were called to one off the coast of Walney Island.

Barrow’s Lifeboat Station volunteer crew launched their all weather lifeboat on Thursday evening, following reports of an inflatable drifting out to sea.

It wasn’t known whether there was anyone on the object, which crews noted was drifting further away.

Crews were called out shortly after 6.30pm, but when they arrived no one was on board and a search of the area was conducted.

They were stood down when they realised no one was in danger, and following the incident the Furness Coastguard has issued a warning to beach goers.

A post on their Facebook page told people not to use inflatables while in the sea to avoid a repeat performance of this incident.

It also added that people using inflatables in the sea are at risk of being swept away.

The post said: “The team met with the first informant and as they couldn’t confirm if there was anybody on it or not, assistance was requested from Barrow Lifeboat.

“The team carried out a search of the area and could see the inflatable drifting farther out to sea so directed the Lifeboat in to the area to carry out a search.

“Thankfully the inflatable was located quickly and it was confirmed there was no persons with it.

“The lifeboat carried out a search of the area to make sure there was nobody in difficulty while the Coastguard team carried out a search from the shore.

“The inflatable unicorn was safely recovered from the sea by the lifeboat and returned to shore.

“We would like to remind people that inflatable toys are fun to play with in the swimming pool but should not be used at the beach.

"Wind and strong tides can carry them far away from the shore in a matter of minutes and leave the user out of their depth.”

The crew also thanked the member of the public who alerted them to the object.

The post also urged people who spot danger to report incidents straight away by calling 999 and asking for the coastguard.