PENARTH RNLI came to the rescue of two children who were swept to sea on a makeshift raft this afternoon (Sunday).

According to an RNLI spokesman, together with friends the two children - both boys aged 12 years old - had found discarded construction bags near Penarth Pier.

The two boys pushed out to sea and boarded them, but very quickly were taken out to sea by offshore winds.

Their friend realised they were in difficulty and called 999 for the coastguard.

The spokesman said: "Our D class lifeboat launched very quickly after the initial crew page at 2.08pm.

"The two boys were brought back to shore, both were safe and well, but both were wet and cold.

"They were taken back to the station to warm up, where they were given blankets, drinks and chocolate.

"The boys were lucky that their friends quickly called 999.

"With the offshore breeze the boys were quickly heading out to sea, and time in this rescue was absolutely critical.

"They had no life jackets available, and only thin summer clothes on. The water in the Bristol Channel remains cold through most of the year."

The spokesman went to urge parents to ensure that their children know the risks of playing near or in the sea, especially with any type of inflatable.

Jason Dunlop, lifeboat operations manager for Penarth RNLI station said: "We are so grateful that this rescue had such a positive outcome.

"Our crews responded quickly and we were able to effect a rapid rescue of the children.

"Had they been in the water for much longer, or drifted further the outcome could well have been more serious."