A SWIMMER frantically attempted to reach the shore after falling into the water from an inflatable dinghy.

The Felixstowe Coastguard, Harwich RNLI Inshore Lifeboat and the East of England Ambulance Service arrived at the shore near Felixstowe Ferry, shortly after 4pm yesterday.

The boy managed to make it to the shore before emergency services arrived on scene but paramedics assisted him before he was taken to hospital.

Meanwhile, Yarmouth Coastguard have issued an offshore wind waning for Suffolk, as winds expected to reach 30mph in some areas.

Beachgoers are urged not to use inflatable toys in the sea, and to only swim at lifeguarded beached.

Mario Siano, watch manager for Yarmouth coastguard, said: “It only takes a few seconds for an inflatable dinghy to be swept out to sea, and less than that for it to flip over and leave someone in the water a long way from shore.

“We ask all beach users to exercise common sense on days like this and to leave the inflatables for the swimming pool.”