RNLI warns of dangers as over half of shouts seen to those caught out on Cramond

The Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat Station has reported 27 shouts[1], over half (57%) of their shouts this year, to Cramond Island, one of several islands in the Firth of Forth, since the start of 2023.

Queensferry RNLI has rescued 66 casualties from Cramond in the first half of 2023, with just under half (44%) of those rescued in June alone.

Cramond is a tidal island that can be reached by low tide via a causeway. However, once high tide arrives, people on the tidal island no longer have a safe passage back to the mainland and get stuck on the island, or on the causeway.

Individuals crossing the causeway to Cramond are encouraged to check the safe crossing times beforehand and arrange suitable plans to return back, but unfortunately, many members of the public have been caught offguard and have needed rescuing by the RNLI.

Michael Avril, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, says: ‘We’re seeing more and more people needing our support when visiting Cramond Island. We’ve encountered people stuck on the island due to being cut off by the tide, and even had to rescue people who have attempted to walk back and been caught out by the high tide.

‘We’d strongly encourage everyone planning to visit Cramond to check the safe crossing times before heading out to Cramond and return back to the mainland with adequate time to avoid being caught out by the tide.’

Queensferry RNLI Lifeboat Station was established in 1967, with the new station built in 2012. Volunteer crew member and helm, Julie Dominguez, says: ‘We want everyone to enjoy themselves this summer, which includes visiting nearby Cramond, without having to be rescued by the RNLI and caught in difficulty.

‘Planning your day and timings could save you from being caught out by the tides and needing our assistance. However, accidents happen, and it is important that you are able to call for help if you need it. If you find yourself or spot others in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard straight away.

‘Stay calm and don’t try and wade through the water as this could be dangerous.’

To check the safest times to cross, text CRAMOND to 81400 or check the clearly displayed signage before crossing the causeway.

Notes to editors

· Queensferry lifeboat station has been operating since 1967. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/queensferry-lifeboat-station

· Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, Michael Avril, will be available to interview on Friday 21 July at Cramond between 11am and 12pm.

· A video is available which shows three persons rescued from Cramond Island by Queensferry RNLI in April 2023.

· Queensferry RNLI rescue statistics accurate as of 4 July 2023.

RNLI media contacts

Julie Dominguez, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Adele Allan, Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Natasha Bennett, RNLI Regional Media Officer for Scotland, 07826 900639, [email protected]

Martin Macnamara, RNLI Regional Media Manager for Scotland, 07920 365929, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789

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