Season starts for RNLI lifeguards at Coldingham Bay & Silver Sands

Last Monday (16 May) just after 6pm as lifeguards at Silver Sands in Fife were packing up for the day, RNLI lifeguard Lachlan Edwards (20) heard a scream from some children who were sinking into sand by the water’s edge. Lachlan acted quickly and pulled the young children from the quick sand.

Once out of harm’s way, Lachlan and his colleague Lauren Averell (20) returned the children to their family.

Lachlan said ‘We’ve been back on the beach here in Aberdour since Saturday and we’re only too pleased to help anyone in any way we can.

‘Sometimes that involves water rescue, first aid or simply offering a bit of safety advice. We’re looking forward to another busy year down here and fingers crossed the weather will do its bit to help that!’

Tim Doran, RNLI Lifeguard Manager said ‘We’re really pleased to already have lifeguards working on two beaches in Scotland and we’re looking forward to the other five beaches starting next month.

‘Lifeguarding really is Scotland’s best summer job and at the moment we’ve still got the opportunity to take on a few more lifeguards for the 2016 season. As long as candidates have the right attitude, are willing to learn and can meet the fitness standards we can provide all the training they’ll require to do the job.

‘I’d encourage anyone who is interested to have a look at the website or get in touch for more details.’

RNLI lifeguards will now be on duty from 10am until 6pm seven days a week for the rest of the summer.

From 25 June RNLI lifeguards will also be stationed in Burntisland, Leven, Elie Harbour, St Andrews East Sands and St Andrews West Sands.

The RNLI is still recruiting for lifeguards to work on beaches in Fife and the Borders this summer. If you are interested to find out more please visit the website www.rnli.org/lifeguardjobs or contact RNLI Scotland Lifeguard Manager Tim Doran at [email protected].

VIDEO – http://rnli.org/Pages/Video-Details.aspx?VideoItemID=m6U1gee4

The RNLI are working in partnership with Scottish Borders and the Fife Coast Countryside Trust to provide lifeguard services.

RNLI media contacts

Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07771 943026, [email protected]  

Richard Smith, RNLI Public Relations Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07786 668903, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

Notes to editors

The RNLI encourages anyone planning a trip to the beach to follow these top tips:

1. Wherever possible swim at a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags.
2. Never use inflatables in strong winds or rough seas.
3. Check tide times before you go.
4. If you get into trouble, stick your hand in the air and shout for help.
5. If you see someone else in trouble, tell a lifeguard. If you can’t see a lifeguard, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

For more information visit www.rnli.org/beachsafety

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.