North Berwick RNLI saved 7 lives in 2024, launching 28 times

These statistics show an increase in the number of launches at North Berwick, though the number of incidents that crew responded to stayed in line with 2023 (not every incident results in the launch of the lifeboat).

Ricky Martin, voluntary Lifeboat Operations Manager said “We saw an increase in serious call outs where people were caught out by the conditions, either because they misjudged the strength of the wind, or the conditions changed whilst they were afloat.”

“We always recommend that people coming to the coast check the weather forecast and tide times. If you’re heading out on a stand up paddleboard or a kayak, avoid offshore winds, take a means of calling for help, and wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket”.

“As the air temperature warms this weekend, it’s important to remember that the sea off North Berwick is between 7-8°C, that’s cold enough to induce cold water shock. If you fall into the water, Float to live; lie on your back with your face and chest up towards the sky, spread your arms and legs in gentle movements until you can control your breathing and shout for help. In any coastal emergency, dial 999 for the Coastguard.”

The lives saved at North Berwick came from two separate incidents with four casualties struggling against wind and sea conditions in a kayak and three stand up paddleboarders being blown offshore. Both incidents involved children, and had the Lifeboat not intervened, could have led to lives being lost.

In total volunteer crews across the UK and Ireland launched the charity's lifeboats 9,141 times in 2024, saving 437 lives (including those saved by RNLI Lifeguards).

Running a lifesaving service comes at a cost. Over £190M was spent in 2024 by the RNLI to keep the lifesaving operation running.

We're asking the public to take part in the Mayday Mile to help raise lifesaving funds, or to make a donation to support the RNLI's lifesavers. Visit www.RNLI.org/supportMayday for more.

Notes to editors

• The RNLI defines a life saved as an incident where, had it not been for the intervention of the RNLI, emergency services and/or a third party, a life would have been lost.
• 97% of the RNLI’s frontline lifesavers are volunteers including over 5,700 lifeboat crew members.

RNLI media contacts

Matthew Gibbons, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, North Berwick, [email protected]
Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead 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.

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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.