North Berwick RNLI lifeboat crew launch to kayakers in difficulty.

North Berwick inshore lifeboat Evelyn M launched at 1.20pm and reached the kayakers within minutes. Two kayakers had already been taken aboard the Sea safari boat that had been passing and offered assistance. North Berwick Lifeboat crew picked up a further casualty from the water and put them aboard Sea safari along with a lifeboat crewmember that administered first aid. The casualties were conveyed back to North Berwick and treated for exposure to the cold.

North Berwick Lifeboat recovered the kayaks and took them back to North Berwick. The 5 other kayakers in the group were able to return to shore safely. They were all well equipped and had methods of contacting the coastguard to request assistance and did so at the first opportunity.

If you see someone in difficulty or require assistance at sea do not hesitate to call 999 and ask for the coastguard. #respectthewater

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.