An heroic duo rescued a young child blown out to sea on an inflatable unicorn at Stevenston beach on Sunday afternoon.
The dramatic incident unfolded around 4pm after a paddleboarder and jet-skier spotted the kid in danger.
They managed to bring the youngster safely ashore to be reunited with family as helicopter rescue and coastguard teams from Ardrossan, Ayr and Troon RNLI raced to the scene following a tip-off.
The emergency crews provided initial casualty care for the child but no further medical treatment was required.
The Ardrossan coastguard team today praised the 'quick actions' of the brave rescuers as they urged beachgoers to leave inflatables at home.
Station officer Kevin Paterson said: “This incident highlights once again the dangers and how a sudden change in wind direction can quickly turn a pleasant afternoon at the beach into a serious emergency situation.
“The first informant was praised by MRCC Belfast for recognising the incident unfolding, quickly dialing 999 and asking for the Coastguard and crucially being able to provide vital information to help identify the exact location so the right rescue resources could be sent to help.
“The quick-thinking of the paddleboarder and the jet skier also undoubtedly had a significant positive impact on this incident and we extend our thanks to everyone who was able to assist.
“If you’re thinking of heading to the coast and bringing an inflatable with you, please think again and leave them at home. They are designed for the swimming pool, not the sea.
"We want everyone to remember their trip to the coast for all the right reasons, not the wrong ones.
“It’s also crucial people know who to call in a coastal emergency as seconds count and any delay in the right rescue resources being tasked can have a significant impact on the outcome."
If you see someone at risk or in difficulty at sea or along the coast, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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