Coldingham Bay RNLI lifeguard assists bodyboarders drifting out to sea
RNLI lifeguard jumped into action after spotting bodyboarders struggling to return to shore on Saturday 6 August at Coldingham Bay on the coast of the Scottish Borders.
Noticing that the group of bodyboarders, including a child, had drifted away from the shore and were struggling to return, RNLI lifeguard Mirren McTavish entered the water on a rescue board to assist.
Given the strong offshore wind and having used an unanchored boat as a reference point, the charity’s lifeguards made the decision to intervene early and bring the child back to the beach before it became too difficult for them to return the safely. The rest of the group paddled back alongside the rescue board.
Mirren said: ‘Fortunately, the group were looking out for one another and we were able to intervene before they were in serious danger. We urge beach goers to always check the local forecast for wind, tide and swell, as it is easy to be caught out in the sea.’
If you spot someone in difficulty on the coast, resist the urge to enter the water to help. Instead, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. On a lifeguard patrolled beach, alert the lifeguards.
For information on how safely enjoy bodyboarding this summer, visit: https://rnli.org/safety/choose-your-activity/bodyboarding
ENDS
RNLI media contacts
Claire Thomson, RNLI Media Engagement Placement for Scotland, 07929 673286, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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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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