North Berwick RNLI assist swimmer experiencing medical episode in hot weather

Coastguard Rescue Teams from North Berwick and Dunbar requested the assistance of the RNLI to evacuate the casualty who had collapsed after exiting the water due to feeling unwell. After a medical handover from the Coastguard Rescue Teams that had been looking after the casualty, the lifeboat crew transported the casualty to a waiting ambulance at North Berwick.

Helm, Fraser Fulton said “Due to the remote location of the casualty and his condition it was decided that the lifeboat was the best option to get him to safety. Lifeboat volunteers are trained in casualty care, so are able to stabilise a casualty before handing over to the ambulance service.”

Water Safety Advisor, Matthew Gibbons said: “This incident highlights the hidden dangers of cold water. Whilst the majority of the time, we can enjoy a quick dip in the sea, our bodies may react differently, especially if the air temperature is significantly warmer than normal.”

“When we enter cold water, our body undergoes a number of physiological processes to protect itself. These include the cold shock response and reactions to immersion, involving a centralisation of blood flow. When we exit the water, vasodilation can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may also be enhanced by the act of standing up.”

“These processes can put the body under stress, and may cause fainting or worse especially if you’re not used to cold water, are dehydrated or have underlying medical conditions. The bottom line is, it can happen to anyone."

"If you’re headed into the water, never go alone, acclimatise slowly taking time to enter the water, stay within your depth and get out before you feel cold. If you get into trouble, try to stay calm, float on your back with your ears submerged, looking up to the sky making small movements with your hands."

"In any coastal emergency, dial 999 for the Coastguard who will arrange the most appropriate response to get you the help you need."

Rescues like these are made possible through donations from the public. North Berwick RNLI are hosting their annual Open Day on Saturday 19 July, 11am-4pm at Anchor Green, North Berwick Harbour.

It promises to be a fun day our for all the family with live sea shanties and Scottish music, Second hand books, tombola, raffle, and home baking stalls, the RNLI shop, kids zone and safety advice from North Berwick’s Coastguard Rescue Team, Surf Life Saving Club, and Community First Responders.

Notes to editors

• In 2024 RNLI lifeboats from 238 stations across the UK and RoI launched 9,141 times saving 437 lives (alongside RNLI lifeguards), North Berwick launched 28 times, saving 7 lives.
• It cost £1,400 a year to train each crew member in the lifesaving skills they need to answer the call for help
• 97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers including over 5,700 lifeboat crew members.
• In 2024 it cost the RNLI £190M to run it’s charitable lifesaving service, 6 in 10 of the lifeboat launches were funded be generous supporters leaving the RNLI a gift in their will.

RNLI media contacts

Matthew Gibbons, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, North Berwick, [email protected]
Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
24 hour RNLI Central Press Office, 01202 336789 or email [email protected]

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.