A family has been rescued after drifting out to sea on an inflatable dinghy on the first day of their holiday.

Two children and their father were saved on Saturday, July 27, after getting into trouble at Blackpool Sands near Dartmouth.

The family, from Surrey, were seen struggling against the strong winds by their mother.

Watching in fear from the beach, she raised the alarm and the Dart RNLI came to their rescue.

The Atlantic lifeboat guided them back safely and lifeboat crewman, Stuart Millard, got in the water to help.

Dart RNLI issued a warning to holidaymakers: “Please if you must use an inflatable choose a beach which has lifeguards in attendance and ask advice on water and weather conditions.

“It could save your life or a loved one!”

Lifeguards from the RNLI are on duty on Blackpool Sands from 10am-6pm throughout the summer holidays.