01/08/2026
Shouts!
Thursday 30th July
55/2026 @ 0825
We were tasked to small vessel off Methil which had broken down and was taking on water. The boat, with two people on board, was towed into Methil harbour.
56/2026 @ 1854
Our pagers sounded for a second time following multiple reports of a kayaker in difficulty off Kirkcaldy.
Our volunteer crew was soon on scene and with the help of Kinghorn Coastguard Rescue Team who had eyes-on the casualty, we located what turned out to be a small inflatable toy dinghy over one mile offshore with one person on board. The person and dinghy were taken on board the lifeboat and taken back to shore.
The RNLI advises that inflatable toys and dinghies are not designed for open water or the beach because even a light breeze can quickly sweep them out to sea as happened in this case.
Safety Rules for the Beach and Open Water:
🛟Choose a RNLI Lifeguards Scotland lifeguarded beach (Aberdour Silver Sands, Burntisland, Leven, Elie, St Andrews East and West beaches, Broughty Ferry, and Coldingham)
🛟Check the wind: Never use an inflatable when an orange windsock is flying, which signals dangerous offshore winds that blow objects out to sea.
🛟Stay close: Remain extremely close to the shore, supervise children at all times, and only use inflatables on lifeguarded beaches between the red and yellow flags.
🛟Use a tether: Tie a safety line from the inflatable to someone holding the anchor point securely on the dry land.
🛟Wear buoyancy aids: Always wear a properly fitted lifejacket or buoyancy aid.
🛟Carry a phone: Keep a mobile phone or communication device inside a waterproof bag.
What to Do in an Emergency?
🛟Stay with the craft: If you get swept out or find yourself in trouble, stay with your inflatable dinghy because it helps rescue teams spot you much faster.
🚨Call 999: If you see anyone in difficulty in the water or drifting away, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard
