RNLI issues warm weather warning after two kayakers rescued from Bass Rock
The kayakers were able to raise the alarm using a mobile phone, which they carried in a waterproof pouch
RNLI has issued a warm weather warning after two kayakers were rescued from Bass Rock after their vessel began to sink.
The kayakers got into difficulty almost two miles offshore when their two-seater sit on kayak started to take on water.
They were soon in the water and managed to swim around 200 metres to the relative safety of Bass Rock, where they raised the alarm using a moile phone.
North Berwick RNLI was dispatched to rescue the kayakers from the rock, although their exact positoin was not known, around 11.40am on Thursday.
A spokesman for RNLI said the lifeboat was at Bass Rock within eight minutes of launching, with the crew starting to search the water’s edge of the island.
The kayakers were discovered on the east side of the island, below the tide line on a rocky outcrop by the mouth of a cave complex.
Found unharmed and equipped with wetsuits and buoyancy aids, they were brought ashore along with their kayak.
Callum MacLeod, helm of RNLI North Berwick said, said: ‘The casualties were lucky that their phone survived the sea water and they were able to call for help.
“Anyone heading out on the water should carry a waterproofed means of calling for help, a £20 waterproof phone pouch could be what saves your life.
“Although the warm weather is forecast to return this weekend, we’d like to reiterate the RNLI’s safety advice - always wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and carry a waterproofed means of calling for help.
'Remember it’s hot out there, but it’s cold in here, the sea is still only about 12°C, that's cold enough to cause you real difficulties.”
Anyone who gets into trouble in the water is urged to follow RNLI advice and “float to live”.
“Relax, tilt your head back to submerge your ears, spread your arms and legs and make slow movements,” Mr MacLeod said.
Anyone heading to the water is urged to check weather and tides. Small un-powered inflatable craft and stand up paddleboards should avoid offshore winds.
Those caught in a coastal emergency should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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