East Lothian swimmer rescued after 'medical episode' as RNLI issues warning
Volunteers at North Berwick RNLI sprang into action to evacuate a casualty experiencing a medical episode after swimming near Gullane during the latest spell of hot weather.
The incident took place on Friday, July 11, at 7.35pm when 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 Team, 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.
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STV News
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- STV News
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The Herald Scotland
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Glasgow Times
a day ago
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