The coxswain of the Fraserburgh lifeboat has warned the public to be sea safe this summer following the rescue of six people off the North East coastline last weekend.
Five men and one child were towed to safety by Peterhead’s lifeboat over the weekend after two small vessels became stranded at sea.
On Saturday, The Misses Robertson of Kintail launched at 5.20pm to assist a broken down speedboat with two adult males on board east of the northern breakwater of Peterhead bay.
And on Sunday, the lifeboat was dispatched again to rescue three men and one youngster near the cliffs off Slain’s Castle, Cruden Bay.
Now, Victor Sutherland, coxswain for the RNLI in Fraserburgh, said the incidents were a reminder that safety was paramount while at sea.
“If anyone is thinking about going out on the shore, it would be a good idea to let people know where they’re going,” he said.
“Whether that’s parents or grandparents, they should tell people. And if they’re going out in dinghies or inflatable toys, we’d always encourage them to wear lifejackets of buoyancy aids as well – something to keep them afloat until someone can arrive to help them.”
Mr Sutherland, whose volunteer crew last summer pulled two children from the waters of Fraserburgh’s bay when they got into trouble while swimming, added that it important to know your own limits.
He continued: “Always be aware of what’s happening in the water – especially when swimming.
“Although you might think you’re in a safe position, the tide is continuously moving.
“We have some of the strongest tidal currents in the UK in the north-east, and it’s very easy for even experienced swimmers to get caught out. If you feel yourself getting out of your depths go back to shore and never be afraid to contact the emergency services.
“The quicker we’re involved, the quicker we can get the situation resolved.”
Lifeboats are launched by 999 calls to the coastguard.