RNLI highlights rising risk of tidal cut-offs at Cramond Causeway this weekend

As warmer weather continues and coastal areas become busier, the RNLI is urging visitors to Cramond to take extra care this weekend. Data from the official Cramond crossing timetable confirms that safe crossing times are limited over the upcoming weekend, particularly between 3–5 May, increasing the likelihood of people becoming stranded.

Cramond Island is accessible only during certain states the tide via the causeway, meaning the path is quickly submerged by the tide and visitors who are unaware of, or misjudge the timings, may find themselves trapped.

- Saturday 3 May: The safe crossing period is between 10.55am until 3.50pm.

- Sunday 4 May: The safe crossing period is between 12.15pm until 5.05pm.

- Monday 5 May: The safe crossing period is between 1.50pm until 6.25pm.

Michael Avril, RNLI Water Safety Lead for Scotland, says: ‘With higher tidal ranges expected and safe crossing windows tightening over the weekend, it’s vital that anyone heading to Cramond checks the tide times and plans their return to allow themselves plenty of time to spare.’

Michael added: ‘The risks of avoidable incidents are particularly elevated this week and we would strongly advise against attempting to cross once the tide has started to return. The causeway disappears rapidly and can be dangerous even in shallow water.’

Always check signage or text CRAMOND to 81400 for the day’s safe crossing times. In an emergency, do not attempt to wade through rising water. Instead call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Notes to editors

· Queensferry lifeboat station has been operating since 1967. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/anstruther-lifeboat-station

· Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, Michael Avril, will be available to interview. Please get in contact for more details.

· A video is available which shows two persons rescued from Cramond Island by Queensferry RNLI in April 2025.

· You can also refer to the Water Safety Scotland Water Safety Code online here https://watersafetyscotland.org.uk/advice-hub/water-safety-code/

RNLI media contacts

For more information, please contact:

Emma Lees, RNLI Communications Placement for Scotland, 07710 246 495, [email protected]

Natasha Rushby, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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