Swimmer Rescued by Kinghorn RNLI
Kinghorn RNLI Lifeboat’s volunteer crew was called out on Sunday afternoon, following multiple 999 calls reporting a swimmer in difficulty at Seafield beach, Kirkcaldy.
The volunteer crew was paged at 2.27pm by UK Coastguard and launched soon after. The lifeboat was on scene within five minutes and spotted the female casualty holding her tow-float in confused seas.
Helm said, ‘On arrival, spotting the casualty was difficult due to the waves which were over 1.5m high at points along with rocks and creel pot buoys in the area.
‘After a short time and with assistance from Kinghorn coastguard rescue team, the casualty was spotted approximately 100m offshore. We manoeuvred towards the casualty taking great care amongst rocks just below the surface. She was then pulled aboard the lifeboat and assessed.
‘The casualty was not in need of any urgent medical attention but was taken to Kirkcaldy harbour to be handed over for assessment by the ambulance service. Coastguard teams from Kinghorn and Leven were also on hand to assist.
‘The casualty who was a regular swimmer and well equipped took the right actions when she realised she was in difficulty by holding onto her tow-float and conserving energy.
‘For anyone who would like safety advice for sea swimming, please visit the RNLI website. If you do get into difficulty, please call for assistance as soon as possible.’
If you see anyone or anything in difficulty at the coast, please call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to editors
- Kinghorn lifeboat station has been operating since 1965. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk/kinghorn
- Photographs are from the incident.
- Video will be available later
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789
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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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