RNLI are making coastal walking safer in Fife

The Chain Walk is a challenging alternative route to the Fife Coastal Path at Kincraig Point, West of Elie and next to Shell Bay. Created over a century ago, it is a scramble route that uses eight chains that are permanently attached to the base of the sea cliffs. RNLI Anstruther respond to multiple incidents at the location each year.

The newly installed signage was eight years in the making, from idea to installation. Two sets of panels are situated at either end of the access to the Chain Walk where it deviates from the main coastal path. On each panel there is information about the surroundings, the Chain Walk, tide times, terrain and the height you need to be to use the chains. A walker will get this information whilst on the main path and will be able to decide whether to continue on that path or to take the alternative route.

The first stage of this Coastal Path Safety Project began in 2018 when it was recognised that marking the coastline would be beneficial for the RNLI and Emergency Services to improve response times and ultimately the safety of Fife Coastal Path users.

Safety marker posts were installed around the coast, and this now covers the entire coastline from Leven to St Andrews. Each of the posts are numbered with a code and What3Words location, and anybody who has an incident or witnesses one can reference these posts when they are calling 999 to the Coastguard.

On several occasions, the RNLI have had shouts where these points have been used to reference the position of the casualty, allowing quick location and extraction. Quick identification of the location of a casualty is important to ensure appropriate treatment can be given in as little time as possible. Speedy transfer to hospital also improves outcomes and, in some circumstances, can save lives.

The posts are not just used for emergencies; they are useful reference points for people who spot wildlife, university students undertaking studies and for the FCCT to identify areas that need maintenance.

With the latest stage of the project complete, there are around 100 installations along this stretch of the Fife Coastal Path including safety marker posts, information boards and safety panels.

David Corstorphine, RNLI Water Safety Officer, says:

‘It is fantastic to finally have these panels installed at the Elie Chain Walk. RNLI Anstruther are often called to the area to help people who have got into difficulty, been caught by the tide or have injured themselves.

‘The RNLI Water Safety Team are not advertising the use of the Chain Walk but we acknowledge that people will use it, and we want them to understand the risks.

‘These panels have all the necessary information about the Chain Walk and will allow walkers to make an informed decision on whether to take that route or use the main path.

‘The Coastal Path Safety Project has been a real community effort, with each installation sponsored by an individual, group or local business. We are very grateful to the local community, including St Andrews University, Levenmouth Reconnected Project and Waid Academy pupils, for their input and support in making this project possible.

‘If you ever get into difficulty on the coast or spot someone else in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.’

The RNLI recommend the following:

If you ever see someone in difficulty in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:

• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard to get help
• Tell the struggling person to Float to Live
• Throw them something that floats, such as a life ring or throw bag.

If you find yourself in difficulty, the charity’s advice is Float to Live:

• Tilt your head back, with your ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move your hands and feet to help you stay afloat
• It’s fine if your legs sink, we all float differently
• Practise floating in a supervised location like a swimming pool if you can. 

Members of the RNLI Water Safety Team are available for interview.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Suzanne O'Brien, RNLI Communications Staff Member for RNLI, 07483 494407, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 or [email protected].

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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.

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