Latest news with #NorthBerwickRNLI
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
East Lothian RNLI crew stars in BBC series highlighting emergency responders
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 East Lothian RNLI volunteers were momentary stars of the screen in a recent BBC feature. Viewers of BBC Two on Thursday, August 14 may have caught a glimpse of the local heroes in the latest episode of 'Saving Lives At Sea'. Three North Berwick RNLI crew members were featured. Fraser, Vikki and Matt spoke about how quickly situations can change between the "pager going off and the lifeboat getting to the location of the emergency during a shout", according to North Berwick RNLI. Saving Lives at Sea is in its tenth season with the second episode featuring East Lothian's very own North Berwick lifeboat crew. The episode showed the volunteers helping a 10-year-old boy after he was swept out to sea on a paddleboard and his parents attempted to rush to his aid. A post on North Berwick RNLI's social media read: "Eagle eyed viewers of BBC Two last night may have have caught a passing glimpse of three of our crew in the latest episode of Saving Lives At Sea! "Fraser, Vikki and Matt were speaking about how quickly the situation can change between the pager going off and the lifeboat getting to the location of the emergency during a shout. (Image: BBC) "You can catch it on BBC iPlayer. Be sure to keep watching incase we pop up again". The show tells the stories of RNLI crews from up and down the country, as they respond to everything from sinking ships to tidal cut-offs or kayakers in distress. Last year, lifeboat crews rescued 8,259 people and saved 352 lives. Vikki Selby, volunteer crew member at North Berwick who was featured in the episode said: 'I'm thrilled that North Berwick features again in such a long-running and respected series alongside our fellow lifesavers from across the RNLI. "For my family it'll be an extra exciting episode as my brother Steven was also on the lifeboat for this rescue, so we'll both be on the TV! When the public visit the station we hear how much they appreciate a chance to see how their generous donations are used to help save lives. "We are incredibly grateful for their support, as it is what we rely on to save lives at sea." You can catch the episode on BBC iPlayer. It also airs each week at 8pm on Thursday's, BBC Two.
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."
The Herald Scotland
24-06-2025
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Two rescued after inflatable kayak blown out to sea
Volunteers from North Berwick RNLI launched the charity's inshore lifeboat SUNIJO, to assist. Guided by members of North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team, and tour vessels from the Scottish Seabird Centre, the crew were able to quickly locate and assist the two casualties, bringing them safely ashore. This was the second call out in two days after the crew responded to a vessel experiencing engine difficulties and drifting onto rocks on Monday morning. READ MORE: Helm Fraser Fulton said: 'Offshore winds are seen as a 'hidden' danger at the coast. It may seem sheltered right inshore, but further out to sea the conditions are significantly different, with large waves and stronger winds that can be difficult to paddle against. 'We advise against using any inflatable, not powered by an engine, on the sea during offshore winds. Unfortunately in North Berwick, with the prevailing SW'ly winds, that is the majority of the time. Indeed a large proportion of callouts for ourselves here in North Berwick are due to offshore winds, including a very serious incident last year involving stand up paddleboards. 'Always check the forecast, if it is an offshore wind, don't go out. If you are heading onto the water, no matter the conditions, wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket and carry your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, or a handheld VHF radio. In any coastal emergency, dial 999 for the Coastguard.'
