Broughty Ferry RNLI Launch to Tentsmuir Beach, Fife for Second Time in Two Days

Arriving on scene, inshore lifeboat Helm, Kenny Watson, took care of one casualty, a young girl, who had ingested sea water after being overcome by the strong ebbing tide that had pulled her from the beach into deeper water.

Kenny said:

‘The girl had swallowed a lot of sea water and was quite unwell. We provided first aid until the ambulance crew arrived, and together we decided that the condition of the casualty meant evacuation by helicopter was necessary.’

Coastguard helicopter, Rescue 199, was already en route and was able to land on the beach to extracted the casualty to Ninewells hospital in Dundee.

The remaining casualties were assessed by the Scottish Ambulance service and transferred to Ninewells by ambulance for further observation.

This incident follows the rescue of 12 casualties at Tentsmuir beach yesterday, 11 August. The 12 children had been paddling at the shore when two of their party got into difficulty and found themselves out of their depth. Broughty Ferry RNLI volunteers assisted the Scottish Ambulance Service with first aid. Two children were taken to Ninewells hospital for further observation having swallowed sea water.

Broughty Ferry Lifeboat Coxswain, Peter Hay, said:

‘These two incidents, although isolated from each other, offer a reminder that our coastal waters can be very unpredictable, particularly for young children who may be unaware of the risks associated which changing tides and rip currents. As the summer holidays come to an end many families will be wanting to enjoy a last few days at the beach but we would ask that you familiarise yourself with some of the dangers you might encounter so that you can make the most your remaining holiday safely.’

Changing tides and rip currents can flow at surprising speed, as fast as an Olympic swimmer, and it is very easy to quickly find yourself out of your depth. If you do find yourself in difficulty in the water you should follow the RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ advice: Float on your back with arms and legs spread out. This will allow you to float and give you time to calm down and shout for help. If you see or hear someone in difficulty in the water, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity 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 142,700 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.