Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation calls for caution after 11 call-outs in two-and-a-half months
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LIFESAVING volunteers are appealing for beach-goers to take caution in and around the sea.
Moray Inshore Rescue Organisation (MIRO) received 11 call-outs between March 30 and June 18, and June was a particularly busy month too with four in five days from June 14-18.
MIRO operations manager, Peter Mackenzie, confirmed even experienced swimmers, surfers, paddle boarders and sailors can get caught out.
He said: “I urge everyone to be safe and aware of the currents and tides.
“Their strength and speed can often take people by surprise.
“It’s a good idea to have a means of calling for help if you or someone else gets into difficulty.
“If you see a person or an animal in trouble on the water, please call 999 straight away and ask for the coastguard.
“If the person or animal makes their own way to safety before rescue services arrive, call the coastguard to let them know that their assistance is no longer required.”
He added: “Four of our call-outs this year have been to people cut off at Nairn beach.
“It is important when out walking the coast to familiarise with the times of the tides to ensure you do not get cut off.
“These can be found in tide table booklets, on the internet and in various tidal apps.”
Equipment is quite often recovered on the coastline or drifting out to sea.
MIRO is encouraging owners of kayaks, canoes and paddle boards to label items they bring to the coast with their name and contact details.
When contact details are provided, rescue services like MIRO can contact the owner to make sure they are safe.
Outdoor label name tags can be ordered free online from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
MIRO chairman, John Low, thanked his dedicated crew and shore support volunteers for their response to the numerous emergency situations so far this year.
He added: “Our volunteers are on call 24/7, 365 days-a-year and will always respond to a call for help.
“However, I urge members of the public to take care, be aware of the tide whilst out enjoying the sunshine or taking exercise and always wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid if you’re on the water.
“If you get into difficulties, it really could save your life.”
MIRO is manned entirely by unpaid volunteers who give up their time to train, raise funds and save lives.
MIRO is registered with the Charities Aid Foundation and accepts donations for the service at www.morayinshorerescue.org.
