Arran RNLI share open-water swimming safety tips
On Tuesday 27 August, the volunteer crew of the Arran RNLI Lifeboat Station spotted an open-water swimmer in Lamlash bay who was barely visible in the less than perfect sea conditions and fading light of the evening.
With a large number of sailing and support boats in the water, the swimmer's experience of exploring Arran’s beautiful waters could have turned into something less enjoyable very fast and the volunteer crew wanted to share some vital safety messaging.
Dipping your toe into the bracing world of sea swimming can have physical and mental health benefits, from boosting your mood and immune system to improving your fitness levels and circulation.
Before you enter the water, assess the conditions, check the weather and always carry a means of calling for help. If the water is too rough for swimming, don’t get in.
Once in the water, remember that cold water immersion can seriously affect your swimming ability and you might get tired. If this happens roll on to your back to rest and hold onto something that floats, like a tow float. Then you can signal for help if needed.
A spokesperson from Arran RNLI said: ‘It is surprisingly difficult to spot someone in the water so to have the best swimming experience we strongly recommend that you always consider using a tow float and wear a brightly coloured swim hat to increase your visibility in the water.’
In case of an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
For more advice on open water swimming please visit https://rnli.org/safety
Notes to editors
- Arran lifeboat station has been operating since 1970
- Arran’s RNLI lifeboat is called Rachel Hedderwick and is a B-Class Atlantic boat
- To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/arran-lifeboat-station
- Andrew Randall (Lifeboat Press Officer & Shore Crew) is available for interview
RNLI media contacts
Andrew Randall, Lifeboat Press Officer (Isle of Arran), 07539 104601, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Tom McGuire, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland and Ireland, 00353 87 476 4436, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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 142,700 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.