COASTGUARDS have today reminded children and families to take care on the water this half term after three youngsters had to be rescued from their inflatable kayak.

COASTGUARDS have today reminded children and families to take care on the water this half term after three youngsters had to be rescued from their inflatable kayak.

Thames Coastguard launched the Harwich inshore lifeboat yesterday afternoon after the kayak was spotted drifting offshore at Felixstowe.

All three children were wearing lifejackets when they were spotted drifting away shortly before 4pm yesterday.

Thames Coastguard received two 999 calls reporting the kayak stranded at the entrance to the River Deben.

Felixstowe Coastguard was met in the water by one of the emergency callers and guided the lifeboat to the kayak.

The children were a little shaken by the ordeal but did not require medical assistance.

A spokesman for Thames Coastguard said the children had underestimated the strength of the wind and had blown away from the safety of the shore.

He added: “If anyone is going on the water, in any kind of vessel, they should wear a lifejacket.

“The standard safety procedure is to have the kayak or dinghy tied to either a stake in the ground or a groyne, especially if the wind is blowing.”

Thames Coastguard was also called to assist a yacht that had suffered engine failure due to a fuel line blockage in the Harwich Harbour.

The coastguard received a 999 call from the 30ft sailing yacht Fulmar shortly before 12.30am yesterday.

The yacht's skipper managed to drop the anchor but the vessel was in a position which was in danger of drying out.

After the owner's many attempts to clear the fuel lines without success, Thames Coastguard requested the launch of the Harwich inshore lifeboat to assist the yacht to the safety of the Lifeboat pontoon.

n. Were you one of the youngsters rescued by the lifeboat and want to thank them? Contact The Evening Star news desk on 01473 324788 or email starnews@eveningstar.co.uk