The RNLI has issued a warning after crews rescued three people on a stand up paddleboard off North Berwick on Wednesday.
North Berwick RNLI’s volunteer crew launched the charity’s D-class lifeboat SUNIJO at around 4.30pm after multiple 999 calls reporting people in the water from stand up paddleboards.
A group of three children had been paddleboarding close to the shore but were quickly taken out to sea by strong offshore winds which were gusting up to 35 knots at the time of launch. When they realised the children were in danger, two adults attempted to reach them, with one swimming out and another using a paddleboard.
The lifeboat arrived on scene six minutes after launching to find one child and two adults on one paddleboard, having drifted approximately 800m from their launch site. The other two children had made it safely ashore unaided.
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The casualties were brought on board the lifeboat and transferred to the lifeboat station where they were checked over by members of the Scottish Ambulance Service.
North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team brought other two casualties to the lifeboat station where they were monitored in the warm and dry until they were discharged.
Fraser Fulton, Helm of North Berwick lifeboat, said: “This was a very serious situation, thankfully with a positive outcome. Offshore winds can be deceiving and can very quickly take you away from safety.”
“The water around North Berwick is cold, even in summer, if you fall into the water it will be a shock and you will get cold very quickly, potentially losing coordination in your arms and legs and finding it difficult to swim.
“If you’re heading out on the water on a paddleboard, check the forecast and avoid offshore winds. Always wear a buoyancy aid, carry a waterproofed means of calling for help and wear your leash.”
"A paddleboard is much easier to spot and can help you stay afloat so stay with it. In any coastal emergency dial 999 and ask for the coastguard. We thank those who alerted us to this incident which allowed us to respond so quickly.”
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