RNL Loch Ness celebrates with Morag Fraser as she completes her epic fundraising
Drumndrochit resident and keen paddleboarder, set herself the challenge to circumnavigate Loch Ness in sections on her paddleboard before the end of 2023.
Morag launched on her Loch perimeter paddle on Friday 12 May, 2023 from the Loch Ness RNLI Lifeboat Station, with the target of raising £1000 in aid of Loch Ness RNLI.
The station Chairman, Allan Durning, joined by volunteer lifeboat crew volunteers Toby and Anne, and Morag's crucial support crew husband Graham and their dog Merlin, were at the Harbour today (Friday 1 September) to celebrate Morag's final stage of seven.
The distance paddled was 80km, and it took a total of 17 hours to complete. Morag has been paddleboarding for four years.
When asked what her advice to other paddle boarders would be, Morag said: 'Get out there and do it, and make sure you have the correct safety gear and paddle within your limits.'
The RNLI’s Summer safety campaign has highlighted that the number of rescues of paddleboarders has risen considerably as more people enjoy the sport but do not always take adequate safety precautions.
Laura Erskine, Water Safety Education Manager for Scotland, is keen to help people enjoy their paddleboards safely by following simple advice.
Laura said: 'The RNLI noted a significant increase last year in incidents involving paddleboards around Scotland, with a high number of people being blown or swept out to sea.'
The RNLI has some simple and effective advice; wear a buoyancy aid, carry a phone in a waterproof pouch, wear the correct leash, and avoid offshore winds.
If you end up in the water unexpectedly or are in trouble in the water without your board, then float on your back.’’
Morag is a wonderful exemplar of the RNLI’s Summer Safety Campaign.
I asked her if the challenge was easier or harder than she expected.
'I had no expectations; I knew it would be hard and it was important to choose the paddle days when the weather (wind) suited my ability.'
For Morag’s next challenge, she has chosen to join the Fundraising Crew at RNLI Loch Ness.
Morag has already exceeded her target of £1000 and you can still sponsor her here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/morag-fraser-sup-lochness?fbclid=IwAR1jo9uKNMkOKON770EsUN5TT6V7yYyBaPiQITAyPzqSwycTPlZiI32YpDI
On behalf of RNLI Loch Ness, Thank You, Morag
And Welcome to the Crew!
Notes to editors
· Loch Ness lifeboat station has been operating since 2008. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/loch-ness-lifeboat-station
RNLI media contacts
Anne Clarke, Lifeboat Press Officer, anne_clarke@rnli.org.uk
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
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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