RNLI warns Highland residents not to take undue risks when visiting Ross-shire coasts after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown eases over Easter
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LIFESAVERS in Ross-shire are urging the public to stay safe if heading to the coast this Easter – amid fears over another surge in RNLI rescues.
With the Scottish Government's 'stay at home' lockdown mantra set to end tomorrow – when it will be replaced by a 'stay local' rule requiring folk to stay within their own local authority area – there are expectations that more people will travel to Highland beauty spots this Easter weekend.
The RNLI experienced a spike in call-outs when people rushed to enjoy the outdoors during 2020's lockdown restrictions.
And it has warned people not to take any foolish risks when enjoying the coast or local inland waterways, amid concerns that a similar surge could take place this time round.
Last summer the RNLI saw an increase to shouts as Scots took to the coast. Therefore, government plans which will permit people to travel freely within their local authority area has prompted the lifesaving charity to call for the public to stay safe.
Indeed, the number of call-outs jumped so sharply in 2020, that the RNLI saw a 300 per cent increase in emergencies involving people struggling with their paddleboards – and a 171 per cent rise in those involving kayakers.
Speaking on behalf of Kyle lifeboat station, one of the helms Andrew MacDonald said: “We understand that many people will have been missing trips to the coast and will be eager for a change of scene or activity.
"However, we are really asking the public for their help. Our team of dedicated volunteers have remained on call throughout the pandemic but, in order to attend a shout, we must break physical distancing instructions, putting ourselves and our families at risk.
"We also cannot be everywhere at once, if we see a sudden increase in people visiting local beaches and beauty spots around the coast, our volunteer run service could struggle to meet demand. Therefore, we are asking people to stay aware of the inherent risks."
The message from the RNLI in Scotland is clear, an easing of lockdown does not mean an instantly safer coast and water temperatures remain dangerously cold.
Jill Hepburn, the RNLI's lifesaving manager for Scotland, added: “The change in restrictions we will see from Friday, April 2 allows for greater travel in your local authority areas.
“However, just because the lockdown restrictions are being relaxed does not mean our coasts are safe, the dangers that have always been there remain. We ask those who are local to beaches to continue to be aware of the inherent dangers and to avoid taking risks.”
Michael Avril, Scotland’s water safety lead for the RNLI. and chairman of Water Safety Scotland, said: “The Scottish public need to remember the following safety advice: Stay in familiar surroundings, don’t put yourself, your family and emergency services in danger by taking risks or assuming it ‘won’t happen to you’. If you do see someone in difficulty in the water or at the coast call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
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