Peterhead RNLI launch to a swimmer in difficulty in Boddam Harbour

The Misses Robertson of Kintail launched and made the best speed to Boddam Harbour, a mile south of Peterhead. On arrival the RNLI volunteer crew met the UK Coastguard team already in the water, trying to keep the swimmer afloat. The swimmer was recovered to the Lifeboat using the onboard slings and "A" Frame and returned to Peterhead for treatment.

Duty Coxswain Pat Davidson said, "This was one of the few time-critical shouts you get as a lifeboat crew when you know there's a person in the water in difficulty. It's an awful feeling, and you do everything in your power to get there as fast as possible. As soon as we arrived, we could see the local Coastguard Rescue Team had entered the water to try and keep the casualty afloat. Due to the precarious position the casualty was in, the only means of recovery was the Lifeboat. Between the Coastguard team and the Lifeboat crew, the swimmer was placed into our recovery slings and hoisted on board and placed in the care of the casualty care team before returning to an awaiting ambulance at Peterhead Harbour. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that without the bystander dialling 999 and the quick response from the Coastguard and volunteer lifeboat crew, this would have been a different outcome. My crewmates and the coastguard should be very proud of what they achieved today. Fantastic multi-agency service from Police, Ambulance, Coastguard & RNLI lifeboat crew

Sandy Garvock, one of Peterhead's newest recruits, said, "This was a great example of how we all work as a team, and time was against us on this shout but thankfully we arrived on time to rescue the swimmer. Today shows how quickly a situation can change in the water and why we must be careful."

The RNLI's safety advice for wild swimming is:

Plan ahead - check the weather and tide times

Let someone know where you will be going and when you will be back

Always swim parallel to the shore

Consider wearing a wetsuit - remember Scotland's sea temperatures remain cold throughout the year!

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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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.