They are the summer’s most-wanted holiday accessory, popping up everywhere from tropical islands to the great British seaside.

But giant inflatable unicorns are proving less popular with coastguards after a woman was blown out to sea and had to be rescued from one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

She was one of 15 people rescued along the south coast by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in just one evening after their inflatables veered off course. A pink flamingo and a swan were also involved.

Instagram is filled with thousands of #inflatableunicorn pictures from foreign climes, while the England football team were photographed racing them in the hotel pool ahead of their game against Panama.

The flamingo is even more popular on social media, while retailers are also selling giant watermelon slices, lobsters, cacti, pineapples and ice lollies.

Retailers also reported a sales hike thanks to Love Island, where inflatables can be glimpsed in the villa’s swimming pool.