Footage of two teenagers being rescued after being blown out to sea on an inflatable doughnut has been released as a warning to others.
The Maritime and Coastguard Rescue Agency shared the short clip after being called to the sea in the Moray Firth on Saturday afternoon.
Two young beach-goers had been using the large inflatable in the water near Ardersier when they were pushed out into the sea by a receding tide.
Emergency services raced to the scene and soon found the two stricken teenagers who were then airlifted to safety by a Coastguard helicopter.
The RNLI Kessock Lifeboat was also scrambled to the rescue and recovered the offending doughnut.
The two casualties were passed into the care of waiting ambulance teams and were described as “incredibly lucky” by rescuers.
Volunteer Crew Member and Helm Douglas Munro said, “Yesterday's rescue highlights the dangers of using inflatables at the beach.
“The casualties were incredibly lucky to have been spotted by a walker on the beach who witnessed the teenagers drifting out to sea.
“The walker reacted quickly dialling 999 and the coastguard requested. A swift response by CG R948, Local CG Teams and Kessock lifeboat prevented what could have been a very different outcome."
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency added: “It might seem fun when you start, but fun easily turns to fear with inflatables.
“Our helicopter in Stornoway came to the rescue last Saturday (1/8) when two people needed to be winched to safety from an inflatable which was being washed out to sea in the
Moray Firth“However careful you think you are going to be with one, however safe you think the water might look, there are no guarantees - please don't take them into the water.”
