With its popular array of waterfront bars Oban is an excellent town for a fun night out – but being by the sea has its dangers.
And Coastguard volunteers had a safety message for revellers out enjoying their Christmas parties at the weekend – don’t drink and drown.
Six members of Oban Coastguard Rescue Team took to the streets between 10pm on Saturday and 1am on Sunday on what was one of the busiest nights of the year.
Station Officer Iain MacKinnon said: “We spoke to lots of people who were out partying. It was general chit chat and warning them not to drink and drown.
“On your way home avoid the water and, if you are a bit drunk, have a buddy with you if you can.
“It is easy to picture the scene where someone has a bit too much to drink and ends up in the harbour.
“Figures show that 25% of people who drown never intended to be in the water. They fell in or cycled in.
“We spoke to a large number of people, liaised with police and carried out foot and vehicle patrols. They were happy that we were about.”
It is the first time the local Coastguard team have taken such a step during the festive period.
They have previously undertaken patrols in the summertime but believed some additional education was required.
In the last few years several people have fallen into the harbour and had to be rescued by members of the public or emergency services.
Fortunately none of those incidents has resulted in a death.
“A lot of the bars in Oban are right on the waterfront,” the station manager said.
“When you come out of some of the pubs you are straight onto the pier and it would be so simple for someone to take a tumble into the water.
“All of the piers in Oban do have life rings. There is a good supply.”
Mr Mackinnon said the Coastguard were looking into educating businesses about the dangers and teaching life-saving skills to local residents.
“There are initiatives elsewhere where the coastguards are training bar staff so that if someone does fall in, and they are they are the closest people, they know how to use the life-rings and throwing lines without putting themselves in danger.
“We will look into doing this here.”
He added: “We were just warning people to enjoy themselves but to be safe. People were delighted to see us and we were given many a hug and a kiss.
“With it being the longest night and the last Saturday before Christmas it was always going to be a busy night.
“Next weekend will be the same, falling between Christmas and New Year, so we will be out again in force keeping everyone safe.”
