Boarder saves girl blown out to sea

A nine-year-old girl blown out to sea on an inflatable pool toy was saved by a heroic paddle boarder – who then had to be rescued when they could not make it back to shore.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene near Sandylands Caravan Park in Saltcoats, Ayrshire, just after 4:30pm on Thursday.

Rescuers said the quick actions of the nearby paddle boarder, who saw the horror unfold, saved the girl from what could have been a “tragic ending”.

But the paddle boarder faced strong winds and could not make it back to shore. The pair had to be rescued by Troon Lifeboat crew who got them back to safety.

They were checked by paramedics but required no medical attention.

A spokesperson for Ardrossan Coastguard said: “The quick actions of the paddle boarder without a doubt saved the young girl from a situation which could have had a tragic ending.”