One airlifted to hospital and two others rescued after being caught in rip tide in Dunbar

One person has been airlifted to hospital and two others were rescued after the group was caught in a strong rip current in East Lothian.

The UK Coastguard paged the Dunbar RNLI team to an initial report of two people in the water at 2.40pm on Saturday after getting into difficulty at Tyninghame Beach.

Upon arrival at the scene around 3.05pm, it was discovered three people had been helped from the water by a local experienced surfer.

The three casualties had got into difficulties after being caught in a strong rip current running out to sea.

Following treatment by Dunbar RNLI volunteers, one person was airlifted to hospital by the coastguard.

The incident was also attended by the Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland and North Berwick Coastguard team.

Dunbar RNLI helm Jamie Forrester said: “When we arrived the casualties were all in need of medical assistance. We treated the casualties until the helicopter and ambulance arrived.

“Tyninghame Beach is notorious for strong rip currents, which are difficult to spot. This incident shows how easy a simple trip to the beach can turn serious. If it hadn’t been for the swift actions of the experienced surfer, who was a strong swimmer, this could have been a very different outcome.”

If you see anyone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Rip current advice from the RNLI

Rip currents can be difficult to spot, but are sometimes identified by a channel of churning, choppy water on the sea’s surface.

Even the most experienced beachgoers can be caught out by rips, so don’t be afraid to ask lifeguards for advice. They will show you how you can identify and avoid rips.

The best way to avoid rips is to choose a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the red and yellow flags, which have been marked based on where is safer to swim in the current conditions. This also helps you to be spotted more easily, should something go wrong.