RNLI lifeguards assist paddleboarders in trouble at Burntisland and Leven
RNLI lifeguards responded to three incidents involving paddleboarders in difficulty last week across two East Scotland beaches.
Two people were assisted at Burntisland beach and another at Leven beach after getting into difficulty while paddleboarding. In each case, RNLI lifeguards responded swiftly, helping the individuals back to safety with no injuries reported.
Michael Avril, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, says: ‘These incidents highlight how quickly conditions at the coast can change, particularly for paddleboarders and other water users in warm weather and offshore winds.’
He adds: ‘We’re incredibly proud of the calm and professional actions of our lifeguards, whose vigilance and training helped prevent these situations from becoming more serious.’
RNLI lifeguards are currently patrolling eight beaches across Scotland’s east coast - Coldingham Bay, Silver Sands (Aberdour), Burntisland, Leven, Elie, St Andrews East Sands, St Andrews West Sands and Broughty Ferry. The team will be there daily from 10am to 6pm, providing safety advice, supervision, and immediate rescue response throughout the summer months.
With more hot weather forecast and beaches expected to remain busy, the RNLI is urging people to stay safe and be aware of the risks, even in seemingly calm conditions.
Michael adds: ‘We’re also reminding people to stay prepared. If you’re heading out on a paddleboard, wear a leash and buoyancy aid, carry a way to call for help, and check for offshore winds. In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
RNLI lifeboat crews and lifeguards save hundreds of lives each year, but in 2024 sadly 33 accidentally lost their lives in Scotland’s waters. Research released last month by the RNLI revealed that while 85% of people in Scotland plan to visit the coast this summer, a worrying 75% would not think to try and float as their first action if they found themselves struggling in the water.
Notes to editors
· Water Safety Scotland’s Water Safety Code can be viewed in a number of languages at the link here https://www.watersafetyscotland.org.uk/advice-hub/water-safety-code/
· Michael Avril, Water Safety Lead for Scotland will be available for interviews this weekend.
· RNLI lifeguards are currently on duty at the following East Scotland beaches Coldingham Bay, Silver Sands (Aberdour), Burntisland, Leven, Elie, St Andrews East Sands, St Andrews West Sands and Broughty Ferry.
· Interviews with RNLI lifeguards can be arranged upon request.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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