A paddle-boarder came to the rescue of a nine-year-old girl after she was blown out to sea, but then needed rescuing themselves in the first of three dramatic incidents.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene near Sandylands Caravan Park in Saltcoats just after 4.30pm yesterday (Thursday, August 14).

The Coastguard helicopter Rescue 199 was joined by the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team, RNLI Troon Lifeboat and police officers.

The MV Isle of Arran ferry diverted to help but was not required.

The little girl had been blown out to sea on an inflatable pool toy and, as rescuers arrived at the scene, a nearby paddle-boarder, who had seen the incident unfold, was able to reach the child.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

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."

But the paddle-boarding hero faced strong winds and couldn't make it back to shore.

Thankfully Troon Lifeboat came to the rescue, recovering the pair and taking them to Ardrossan Harbour.

They were checked over by paramedics but required no further medical attention.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "[A] reminder for all to observe water safety guidance in particular with regards children and inflatables at beaches where despite relatively calm water tides and winds can quickly cause difficulty to anyone."

With all persons safe, well and reunited with their families, the Coastguard team stood down and returned to station before booking off duty and returning home.

But a short time later, pagers were activated again and the team were called to aid three kayakers being blown off shore north of Ardrossan Harbour.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

The team responded immediately with RNLI Troon Lifeboat launched again to assist.

A fourth kayaker on the shore had called for help and was able to make telephone contact with his friends who, by the time emergency services arrives, were just within view.

The Ardrossan Coastguard was able to guide the lifeboat to the kayakers' position and all three were rescued with their crafts and taken to Ardrossan Harbour.

Along with the Coastguard, the lifeboat delivered the casualties into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service.

During the rescue and recovery of the kayakers, a third callout saw the Coastguard rush towards Stevenston where a pleasure craft had broken down.

RNLI Troon diverted towards the boat two miles off the coast.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald:

Along with the inshore lifeboat, the rescue vehicle was able to recover the vessel to the slipway at Stevenston Point.

A spokesperson for Ardrossan Coastguard said: "All of these incidents thankfully had successful outcomes through early intervention and people contacting the correct emergency service as soon as it was clear people were in need of help.

"Yesterday, also highlights once again the dangers of using inflatables at the coast especially in offshore wind conditions. Inflatable toys are designed for the swimming pool - not the sea."

The Coastguard advises people to avoid setting to sea for any sort of surface water sport, including paddle boarding or kayaking, when there is an offshore wind.

The spokesperson said: "You can very quickly drift or be blown a significant distance from shore without realising and ultimately may require to be rescued."

As well as attending the scenes with rescue vehicles and equipment the Ardrossan Coastguard team also deployed their Prevention and Interventions Box which contains a range of safety information provided to all people who were assisted during the incidents.

A team spokesperson said: "We extend our thanks once again to the paddle boarder who helped save the young girl on the inflatable and to all our colleagues and partners for a challenging evening of incident working which thankfully all had positive outcomes."

In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.