COASTGUARD and RNLI volunteers were called out twice in less than 12 hours yesterday (Friday).

A report of two paddle boarders in difficulty about a mile north of Longniddry Bents was passed onto the teams of volunteers at about 8.50pm.

North Berwick Coastguard Rescue Team were called alongside their colleagues from Fisherrow, at Musselburgh, while the North Berwick RNLI team were stood down en route.

A spokesman for North Berwick's Coastguard team said: "Once on scene, the team made contact with the first informant and got eyes on the casualties.

"It turned out that they were happily out for an early evening paddle and didn’t require and assistance.

"Both teams and the lifeboat were stood down and returned to their stations and made ready for the next call.

"Remember if you see someone or something you are concerned about on the shoreline, cliff, mud or on the sea.

"Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If in doubt, call!"

The incident came on the same day that the North Berwick crews were called out to help three people stuck on Craigleith Island.

North Berwick’s Coastguard rescue team and RNLI volunteers were called out at about 11.30am yesterday.

According to the town’s RNLI team: “The two kayakers on the inflatable managed to get to safety on Craigleith Island whilst another stood by and were quickly located by the crew.

“They were assessed, found not to be injured and brought back to North Berwick where the crew carried out extensive decontamination procedures.

“The casualties were wearing personal flotation devices and had a means of calling for help.

“They were well prepared and did the right thing when the unexpected occurred.”

The island is about half a mile off the coast of North Berwick.