Multiple Sunday shouts for Largs RNLI
On Sunday August 17 2025 the volunteer crew at Largs RNLI were tasked three times in quick succession to assist people who were in difficulty in the water.
The volunteer crew quickly launched and proceeded to the given location at the north west side of Great Cumbrae. Fortunately, as the lifeboat started to search, it was reported that the child had made it to the shore.
Once it was established the casualty was safe and well the lifeboat was stood down and proceeded to return to the lifeboat station.
While on the way back to the station the crew diverted to the second shout of the day, a kayaker who appeared to be in difficulty someway offshore from Largs.
On arrival the lifeboat crew found the man to be exhausted, struggling to paddle his inflatable kayak against a strengthening offshore wind. It was decided to bring the kayaker onboard the lifeboat, along with kayak which was deflated for recovery, and safely returned both to shore.
The lifeboat then returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
After returning to the station the pagers sounded again just 15 minutes later.
This time HM Coastguard requested the launch of the lifeboat to an angling boat with three people on board. The boat had been making its way to Inverkip, however the crew onboard were growing concerned as they were battling increasing waves.
The volunteers at Largs RNLI launched and made best speed to towards the last reported location of the casualty boat to commence a search. However, before they arrived, it was reported the casualty vessel had reached shelter in the lee of the land and was entering Kip Marina, where the Largs Coastguard Rescue Team were waiting to meet them.
Once again the lifeboat was stood down, returned to station to be cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
John Griffiths, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Largs RNLI lifeboat station said; ‘Offshore winds can be very dangerous. They can quickly blow people on inflatables, kayaks and small boats out to sea.
‘It is important to check the weather forecast and tide times before heading out on the water. You should also always carry a way to call for help in an emergency.
‘In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency you should always dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.’
Notes to editors
RNLI media contacts
Claire McRae, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07738681546, [email protected]
Brian Rankin, Lifeboat Press Officer, 07810862468, [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]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok 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.