A family had to be rescued from the sea off Anglesey sparking anger from police and locals.
The dad broke coronavirus travel restriction to visit Llanddwyn Beach with his two children, aged 8 and 12, on Wednesday afternoon.
But they became trapped by rising water and the parent was forced to call for help as they themselves cut off and unable to get to dry land.
RNLI lifeboat volunteers sent a boat to the area and waded into the sea to help the family, NorthWales Live reports.
They were joined by police officers from Anglesey who took them safely to the shore.
North Wales Police said the man been reported for breaching Covid-19 travel restrictions after taking the lunchtime trip despite a Storm Christoph weather alert.
Acting District Inspector Ian Roberts launched a blistering attack on the man, who is from Anglesey.
“Preservation of life is a primary role of the emergency services and very fortunately, on this occasion, the group were led to safety without any injuries,” he said.
The Welsh Government has clearly advised against any activity that involves a significant degree of risk – for example, swimming or other exercise at sea or in lakes, rivers and other waterways.
“Unfortunately this is an example of why such a request is in place," ACI Roberts continued..
“We are extremely pleased that nobody was injured, however the outcome could have been very different.”
Heavy rain brought by Storm Christoph has resulted swollen rivers, flooded roads and turbulent seas prompting ACI Roberts to remind everyone that they should take care.
“Wales remains in Level 4 restrictions, which are in place to prevent the spread of the virus and reduce unnecessary strain on the NHS,” he added.
News of the rescue prompted a wave of public condemnation for the dad on Facebook.
“Why would you put kids at risk in this horrendous weather?” asked one.
“Thank goodness they’re safe though, no thanks to the stupidity of the so-called responsible adult with them.”
Some called for the man to be fined. “Not only did he put the emergency services at risk, but the children he had with him!
“It’s not like there has been no warning about the weather,” said another.
But there was some sympathy for the father.
“Surely better to call for help when he realised than risk his and his children’s lives trying to swim or wade across?” said one commentator.
“We’re all human and are capable of misjudgment or error.”
