RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat Responds to Forth Swim.
On the afternoon of Saturday 22nd September RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat was tasked to assist safety boats covering a Firth of Forth Swim. The Atlantic 85 B-Class Lifeboat Jimmie Cairncross and its volunteer crew responded to the area of the north and middle cantilevers of the Forth rail Bridge, where
The Lifeboat had recovered one cold and exhausted swimmer who was struggling to progress in the challenging conditions and had chosen to exit the water when, in communication with the safety boats, a swimmer in need of urgent medical assistance was identified. The Lifeboat took this casualty onboard and requested an ambulance to respond to Hawes Pier. This casualty was slipping in and out of consciousness, very cold and thought to have swallowed water. The Lifeboat returned immediately to Hawes Pier where this casualty was handed over to the care of Paramedics and the SORT team.
While medical care was being administered the other casualty, not in need of medical assistance, was taken into the Lifeboat Station by Volunteer Crew members and warmed up. The Lifeboat returned to the scene of the event to perform a sweep of the water and help the safety boats ensure all 214 swimmers had exited the water safely.
The first casualty was reunited with her husband and was able to go home, safe and well. The second casualty was treated by the Ambulance crew and SORT team before being released to her family who had arrived and spending a short while in the Lifeboat Station warming up and having cups of tea and coffee before they too were able to go home.
The Lifeboat was stood down by UK Coastguard and returned to station where it was recovered and made ready for service once again.
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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