
North Berwick RNLI race from 200th anniversary event to person in the water
North Berwick RNLI volunteers assembled on Thursday (1 August) to commemorate the founding moment of the charity along with crews around the coast. However, the big moment was interrupted as the lifeboat was tasked to a person in the water off Gullane Point, launching at 6.23pm.
The volunteer crew launched within six minutes of the initial page, powering around the harbour wall in North Berwick at 6.24pm (1824 on 1/8/24) as members of the RNLI across the country celebrated 200 years of lifesaving by the Charity which was founded on 4 March, 1824.
The lifeboat joined a multi-agency search and rescue operation after a person was reported in the water with a leg injury off Gullane Point, 6 nautical miles to the west of the station.
The lifeboat was first on scene, about 20 minutes after launching locating the casualty with assistance from a member of the public who waved them down.
The casualty was being supported by their friend who, along with the member of the public had assisted the casualty into the shallows. Remarkably despite suffering an injury to their leg the casualty had been able to get themselves into a position where rescue crews were able to access them.
Once on scene the crew immediately started casualty care whilst informing Aberdeen Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre of their position so that other assets could make their way to the scene. Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance were soon circling overhead and once landed, took over care of the casualty.
The lifeboat crew then assisted paramedics with the treatment and transport of the casualty along with members of North Berwick, Dunbar and Fisherrow Coastguard Rescue Teams and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
The casualty was transported to hospital by air ambulance and the lifeboat returned to station at 8.10pm.
Rhona Meikle, Helm of North Berwick lifeboat said: “Thankfully the casualty had managed to get themselves out of immediate danger before we arrived, we’d like to thank the casualty’s friend and member of the public who assisted in getting the casualty to safety.”
“They also did the right thing in calling for help immediately after the incident occurred meaning rescue assets arrived in quick succession. Our crew were able to put their casualty care to good use, stabilising the casualty before handing over to the Air Ambulance paramedics.”
“The launch gave our non-operational volunteers a chance to experience the side of the RNLI that their fundraising and shop volunteering hours help fund. Without them, and the support from members of the public we wouldn’t be able to launch to save lives at sea.”
In any coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard who will coordinate a response, deciding on the best rescue assets for the situation.
Water Safety
As summer temperatures return to the UK it can be tempting to cool off in the sea. Remember that the water around the coast of North Berwick rarely exceeds 15°C, cold water shock is a real risk. Always enter the water slowly preferably from the shallows. To avoid cold water shock, or underwater objects don’t jump straight in from a height, check the depth of water and acclimatise first.
48% of the 236 accidental drownings in 2023 involved people who didn't plan on entering the water. This includes coastal walkers, those being cut off by the tide or getting too close to large waves.
If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, Float to live:
-Tilt your head back with your ears submerged.
-Relax, move your hands to help you stay afloat.
-Your legs might sink, this is okay, we all float differently.
-After 60-90 seconds you should be able to control your breathing and shout for help.
Notes to editors
- In 2023 RNLI lifeboats from 238 stations across the UK and RoI launched 9,192 times saving 355 lives, RNLI Lifeguards saved a further 151 lives, North Berwick launched 21 times.
- It cost £1,450 a year to train each crew member in the lifesaving skills they need to answer the call for help
- 97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers including over 5,700 lifeboat crew members.
- In 2023 it cost the RNLI £191.2M to run it’s charitable lifesaving service, 6 in 10 of the lifeboat launches were funded be generous supporters leaving the RNLI a gift in their will.
RNLI media contacts
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
24 hour RNLI Central Press Office, 01202 336789 or email [email protected]
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, Twitter 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.