RNLI Lifeguards at Coldingham Bay entered the water seven times in one day (Wednesday July 26) to assist a number of swimmers, bodyboarders and surfers, acting early to prevent full blown rescue situations as people were pulled towards rip currents or caught out by the breaking waves.
A decent swell has been hitting the coast of south east Scotland in recent days seeing breaking waves (well in excess of 5-6ft at times) creating tricky conditions in the water with an influx of swimmers, bodyboarders and surfers looking to enjoy the waves.
And now lifeguards are providing beach safety advice to the public.
RNLI Lifeguard, Matt Gibbons said "Although there aren’t many in Scotland, you should always try to visit a lifeguarded beach. There, the Lifeguards will set up safe zones for different water sports.
"The red and yellow flags indicate the area in which it is safest to swim and bodyboard, whilst the black and white flags are for surfers, paddleboarders and kayaks or other hard craft.
"Please try to stay within your zone, and listen to lifeguards when they ask you to relocate to the correct zone. They are doing this to prevent you getting caught by a rip current or being hurt by another craft.
"Stay within your depth and be aware of how you are drifting with the currents. If you find yourself in a current try to stand up, don’t panic. If you need help, keep hold of your board or float on your back, raise a hand and shout for help; a Lifeguard will come to you."
Senior Lifeguard Rose McTavish went to the aid of a stand up paddleboarder who was around 400m offshore. She said "The power in the waves have caused a number of people to get caught out. Please think twice before heading out on your paddleboard in these conditions.
"If you do head out we recommend paddleboarders wear a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, leash and have a waterproofed means for calling for help. If you are going for a paddle along the coast, you can log your plan with the Coastguard maritime rescue coordination centre for your area."
The swell is forecast to drop over the next few days but the importance of swimming in between the red and yellow flags is not diminished.
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