RNLI Kessock in inflatable doughnut rescue off Nairn beach
The RNLI Kessock charity lifeboast was paged shortly before 5pm by Aberdeen Coastguard yesterday (Saturday 01 August) to reports of an inflatable doughnut with two occupants drifting out to sea in the Moray Firth off the coast of Ardesier.
By chance, the UK Coastguard helicopter based at Stornoway was at Dalcross refuelling so they were tasked and quickly on scene.
It is believed that the two teenage casualties had entered the water around the golf course and drifted out to sea, possibly pulled out by the receding tide.
The teenagers were airlifted by 948 which then landed on the shore where the casualties were safely passed to the awaiting HM Coastguard - Highland and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The Kessock lifeboat arrived on scene as the casualties were being winched and further tasked to recover the inflatable. Once this had been achieved the crew were stood down and returned to the station where the was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.The Robert and Isobel Mowat
Volunteer Crew Member and Helm Dougie Munro said, “Yesterday's rescue highlights the dangers of using inflatables at the beach. The casualties were incredibly lucky to have been spotted by a walker on the beach who witnessed the teenagers drifting out to sea. The walker reacted quickly dialling 999 and the coastguard requested. A swift response by CG R948, local CG teams and Kessock lifeboat prevented what could have been a very different outcome."
Saturday’s rescue further emphasises the RNLI’s message that inflatables are not appropriate flotation devices and should only be used at the beach with extreme caution, and ideally kept for the pool.
The volunteer lifeboat crew at Kessock are ready and willing to respond at a moment’s notice - if you would like to help them continue their work take a look at their Facebook page www.facebook.com/RNLIKessock
RNLI media contacts
Yvette Kershaw , Lifeboat Press Officer, 07809 116153, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 01738 642986, 07920 365929, [email protected]
Gemma McDonald, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 01738 642956, 07826 900639, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
RNLI online
For more information on the RNLI please visit rnli.org. News releases and other media resources, including RSS feeds, downloadable photos and video, are available at the RNLI News Centre rnli.org/news-and-media.
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.