RNLI warns of dangers at Cramond this Spring bank holiday weekend
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is urging people to check the safe crossing times when crossing the causeway to Cramond, as afternoon tides and the warm temperatures forecast for the weekend increase the risk of people being cut off.
Ahead of the Spring bank holiday weekend, the RNLI is encouraging visitors to stay safe by checking the safe crossing times and weather forecast before visiting Cramond Island.
Many members of the public have had to be rescued by the RNLI after being caught out by the tide. Both Queensferry and Kinghorn lifeboat stations regularly respond to call outs on Cramond and are strongly advising all visitors crossing the causeway to check the safe crossing times and arrange plans to return at a suitable time.
Cramond is a tidal island that is only accessible by walking across a causeway at certain states of the tide. It is important to be aware of the safe crossing times as outside these times, people on the island no longer have a safe passage back to the mainland and can get stuck on the island, or on the causeway.
Kinghorn’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, Liz Davidson, says: ‘With warm weather forecast, we expect more people to be visiting Cramond Island over the weekend. It’s hard to imagine how walking can turn out to be such a dangerous activity but unfortunately, we’re seeing more people needing our support when visiting Cramond Island.
‘Both Queensferry and Kinghorn crew have rescued people stuck on the island due to being cut off by the tide and have rescued people who have attempted to walk back across the causeway and been caught out by the tide.’
Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, Michael Avril, says: ‘This bank holiday weekend, we are strongly advising everyone visiting the Island to plan their visit around the safe crossing times, leaving plenty of time to return safely to the mainland.
‘We completely understand that accidents happen, and it is important that if you need help, or see someone else in trouble, that you call for help immediately.
‘Raise an arm to attract attention and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Try to stay calm and don’t try to wade through the water as this is dangerous.’
To check the safest times to cross, text CRAMOND to 81400 or check the clearly displayed signage before crossing the causeway.
Daytime safe crossing times this Spring bank holiday weekend -
Friday 22nd May - 1105 - 1617
Saturday 23rd May - 1218 - 1727
Sunday 24th May - 1335 - 1837
Monday 25th May - 1447 - 1940
Tides may vary and conditions should be checked on the day of crossing. The finish time for the crossing period is the time to be back on the mainland.
Notes to editors
- Interviews can be arranged for Friday 22nd May and over the weekend.
- Across all incidents in 2025, Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat Station launched 101 times, saving 4 lives and aiding 119 people caught in difficulty in the water, and Kinghorn RNLI Lifeboat Station launched 94 times, saving 4 lives and aiding 38 people.
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information please contact -
Suzanne O’Brien, RNLI Regional Communications Placement for Scotland, 07483 494407, [email protected]
Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]
Michael Avril, Regional Water Safety Lead, 07901 695708, [email protected]
Alternatively, please contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336 789 or [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.
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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.