North Berwick RNLI issues warm weather safety advice after rescuing two kayakers

The kayakers had found their two seater, sit on top fishing kayak to be sinking and raised the alarm using their mobile phone. They were soon in the water with the kayak swamped and decided to swim an estimated 200m to the relative safety of the Bass Rock

Launching at 11.40am the lifeboat crew were updated by Aberdeen Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre that the casualties were on the Bass Rock, but a specific location was not known.

After making best speed, the lifeboat was on scene at Bass Rock within 8 minutes of launching with the crew searching the water’s edge of the island. The casualties were discovered on the east side of the island, below the tide line on a rocky outcrop by the mouth of a cave complex.

Unharmed and wearing wetsuits and buoyancy aids the casualties were brought onboard the lifeboat and returned safely ashore, along with their kayak, into the care of North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team.

Helm, Callum MacLeod said: ‘The casualties were lucky that their phone survived the sea water and they were able to call for help. Anyone heading out on the water should carry a waterproofed means of calling for help, a £20 waterproof phone pouch could be what saves your life.’

‘Although the warm weather is forecast to return this weekend, we’d like to reiterate the RNLI’s safety advice: Always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and carry a waterproofed means of calling for help.’

'Remember it’s hot out there, but it’s cold in here, the sea is still only about 12°C, that's cold enough to cause you real difficulties. If you're in trouble in the water, float to live. Relax, tilt your head back to submerge your ears, spread your arms and legs and make slow movements.'

‘Before you set out to the beach or onto the water, check the weather and tides; ensure the conditions are suitable for your skills. If in doubt, don’t go out! Small un-powered inflatable craft and stand up paddleboarders should avoid offshore winds.’

‘In any coastal emergency dial 999 for the Coastguard.’

More information on how to stay safe for your activity can be found here.

Warm weather increases the risk of drowning
When the weather is warm, more people enter the water. They might not understand the risks – including just how cold the water can be.

Recent research has clearly demonstrated the link between rising air temperatures and an increase in accidental drownings, and sadly this was reflected during the last heatwave.

• The Royal Lifesaving Society has identified a correlation between periods of hot weather and increased drowning incidents.
• Research from Bournemouth University shows that when air temperatures reach 25°C or above, accidental drownings increase fivefold.
• Over half (57%) of those who drowned during these heatwave periods were swimming, rather than accidentally entering the water.
• Teenagers and young adults are disproportionately represented in these incidents.

If you see someone else in trouble 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.

Notes to editors

• It cost £1,360 a year to train each crew member in the lifesaving skills they need to answer the call for help
• Across the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands, RNLI lifeboat crews based out of 238 lifeboat stations helped 8,290 people and saved 272 lives as the charity’s lifeboats launched more than 9,000 times in 2025, making it the sixth-busiest year in the charity’s history. More here

RNLI media contacts

Matthew Gibbons, Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, North Berwick, [email protected]
Richard Smith, 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]

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Matthew Gibbons, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI Scotland, [email protected]

Richard Smith, 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, [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.