Reminder about coastal safety

Police Scotland and HM Coastguard are co-ordinating an on-going search for missing kayaker Dominic Jackson who was reported missing on Sunday 4 February, after failing to return home from a sea kayaking trip.

Police Scotland is using specialist search teams to continue the search for Dominic tomorrow (Wednesday 8 February), which will be the third day of the search.

Mike Rawlins from Macduff RNLI said

‘Over the past 36 hours we have seen many posts from people on social media offering to help with the search for Dominic and a number of members of the community have been part of an organised search today (Tuesday 7 February).

‘Whilst it is heartening and not at all unexpected, to see such a response from the communities along the coast, with more specialist search teams now being involved in the search for Dominic, I would urge members of the community to not start their own searches.

‘While walking around the coast in our area is a very safe and enjoyable activity, slips and falls do happen. With the poor weather we are experiencing today there could be an increase the risk of slipping or falling on wet ground.

‘We understand that the community want to do as much as possible to help find Dominic, but if someone were to be injured by slipping and falling while searching, depending on the location of the accident, Coastguard teams and lifeboats may need to be involved, taking valuable resources away from the on-going search.

‘It goes without saying that the thoughts of everyone at RNLI Macduff are with Dominic’s family and friends at this very distressing time.’

Notes for editors

• In 2015 the RNLI launched to 604 incidents where someone had slipped or fallen.

Safety information for people walking on the coast.

• Be wary of all edges around the sea and waterside. Not all falls happen on high cliffs.
• If you are going walking, always let someone know where you are going and when you are expected to be back.
• Always have a means of calling for help
• Take extra care when walking in dark and slippery conditions

• RNLI Macduff lifeboat Lydia Macdonald is a B class Atlantic 85 which carries 4 crew.
• Lydia Macdonald is unique within the RNLI being the only lifeboat that is launched from a mobile crane. This method of launch allows the lifeboat to be launched from other locations should the need arise.

RNLI media contacts:

Mike Rawlins, Macduff RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer on 07720 288366 [email protected]

Or Richard Smith, Public Relations Manager Scotland on 01738 642956, 07786 668903 or [email protected]

Or Henry Weaver, RNLI Press Officer for Scotland, 01738 642946, 07771 943026, [email protected]

Or contact RNLI Public Relations on 01202 336789.

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

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.