Inflatable toys should never be used in open water, according to Water Safety Ireland.
Four rescue operations have been launched already this year because of them, including one involving a five year old girl and a lilo.
It comes as Water Safety Awareness Week starts today.
WSI spokesman Roger Sweeney says these products are practically floating killers.
"A lot of families have actually experienced near tragedies as well, where children have had to be rescued who have been swept out to sea, and rescued by the services.
"We're asking people to remember that these are not suitable for uses as recreational craft, they can be lethal in open water and as a matter of fact they can be virtually floating killers, really."
