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Daily Record
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Record
Lifeboat crew rescue capsized kayaker in dangerous waters after dramatic call-out
Volunteers raced from a town celebration to save a kayaker clinging to an overturned craft off North Berwick after a dramatic Saturday night call-out. A kayaker was rescued off the coast of North Berwick after being spotted clinging to their overturned craft in choppy waters. The alarm was raised at around 7.30pm on Saturday, July 26, when worried members of the public called the coastguard to report a kayak had capsized near Fidra Island. North Berwick RNLI volunteers rushed from the town's Pipe Band 125th Anniversary celebrations, sprinting through crowds on foot and bike to reach their station. They launched within minutes and, guided by Aberdeen Coastguard Rescue Coordination Centre, were on the scene in just seven minutes, reports EdinburghLive. Volunteer helm Matthew Gibbons said: 'With the glare of the low sun, and the size of the waves the casualty was hard to spot. They had also drifted about half a nautical mile from the first reported position. 'Despite being a little tired from grappling with the slippery kayak for at least half an hour, the casualty was fit and well. We thank the members of the public who called 999 for the Coastguard straight away, which enabled a swift and successful outcome for the casualty.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The kayaker was brought ashore at Yellowcraig Beach and checked over by North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team before being reunited with family. RNLI chiefs have urged people heading out on the water to always wear a lifejacket, carry a waterproofed means of calling for help, and let someone know their plans.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
East Lothian lifeboat crews race to rescue capsized kayaker
East Lothian lifeboat crews were called to rescue a capsized kayaker near North Berwick after they could be seen clinging onto the hull of the small watercraft. The North Berwick RNLI crew were alerted to the incident after concerned members of the public called the coastguard to report that a kayak had capsized at around 7.29pm on Saturday, July 26. Volunteer crew members jumped into action, leaving the North Berwick Pipe Band's 125 th Anniversary, making their way through crowds on foot and bike to help the person in distress. Once on the water, the crew were on the scene within 7 minutes and the Aberdeen Coastguard Rescue Coordination Centre were able to direct them to the casualty. READ MORE: Edinburgh St James Quarter worker claims 'things weren't being maintained' READ MORE: Forth Road Bridge closed in both directions as drivers urged to 'avoid the area' Sign up to Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Matthew Gibbons, volunteer helm at North Berwick said 'With the glare of the low sun, and the size of the waves the casualty was hard to spot, They had also drifted about half a nautical mile from the first reported position.' 'Despite being a little tired from grappling with the slippery kayak for at least half an hour, the casualty was fit and well. We thank the members of the public who called 999 for the Coastguard straight away, which enable a swift and successful outcome for the casualty.' 'If you're heading out on the water, even the most experienced of us can get caught out by the conditions. Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, carry a waterproofed means of calling for help and tell someone ashore of your plans. If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, try not to panic, but float on your back to conserve energy.' The casualty was checked over before being landed ashore at Yellowcraig Beach and handed into the care of North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team and awaiting family. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Edinburgh Reporter
15-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
North Berwick lifeboat help swimmer in difficulty
The RNLI lifeboat SUNIJO was launched on Friday at 7.35pm to help a swimmer at Gullane who had 'experienced a medical episode'. The casualty had collapsed after coming out of the water and felt unwell. After a medical handover from the Coastguard Rescue Teams who had been looking after the person the lifeboat crew transported them to a waiting ambulance in 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. There will be fun for all including 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. Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
14-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
East Lothian swimmer rescued after 'medical episode' as RNLI issues warning
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 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.
Edinburgh Live
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Edinburgh Live
East Lothian RNLI issues warning ahead of weekend heatwave as hundreds flock to seaside
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An East Lothian RNLI branch is urging residents to stay safe ahead of a heatwave weekend. The North Berwick RNLI and Surf Life Saving Club have joined forces to call for caution with warmer weather on its way. With the Met Office predicting temperatures of up to 27C on Saturday, hundreds are expected to flock to the seaside. The RNLI has reminded locals that accidental drowning is three times as likely on days where the temperature exceeds 25C. They also highlighted their lifeguard service, which is in operation at Coldingham, Aberdour Silver Sands, Leven, Burntisland, Elie, St Andrews West, St Andrews East, and Broughty Ferry. Each branch is operational between 10am and 6pm. They've recommended using the STAR method when in trouble: S – Stay Calm – T – Tilt your head back with your ears in the water – with your ears in the water A – Arms and legs out wide to help you float – to help you float R – Relax and signal for help An RNLI spokesperson said: "When you get into trouble in the water, your instinct might be to swim hard or panic. But staying calm and floating could save your life. "You don't need to be a strong swimmer to survive. You just need to float." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Chair of North Berwick Surf Life Saving Club, Matthew Gibbons said: "If you're headed to the beach this weekend be aware that the water temperature is still only around 13°C, that's cold enough to cause cold water shock. Inland waters may be warmer but can have dangerous currents." "If you're headed into the water, enter slowly, allowing around 2 minutes for your body to acclimatise to avoid the effects of cold shock. If you go swimming, don't go alone, stay within your depth and be aware of any currents moving you away from the beach. If you find yourself in difficulty, FLOAT like a star on your back and shout for help, in any coastal emergency dial 999 for the coastguard."
