TWO kayakers have escaped injury after getting into trouble near Bass Rock yesterday (Thursday) afternoon.

Lifeboat crews from Dunbar and North Berwick, along with Coastguard volunteers, were called out after a mayday call.

UK Coastguard paged for Dunbar’s all-weather lifeboat (ALB) to assist colleagues from North Berwick, who were in the inshore lifeboat (ILB), at about 12.30pm.

One of the kayakers had made a mayday call after his friend had capsized.

A spokesman for Dunbar RNLI said: “With help from coastguard teams from North Berwick and Dunbar, the ILB crew recovered the casualty in the water, assessed him for injuries and took him to Canty Bay, where he could be attended to by coastguard teams.

“They then returned to where the ALB crew were with the second casualty.

“While the ILB took the casualty to shore, the ALB crew recovered the kayak and returned it to the beach.

“The kayakers were cold but otherwise unharmed.

“Both were wearing lifejackets and had a VHF radio which proved valuable when they go into difficulty.”

The RNLI volunteers also took the chance to remind people of keeping safe in the water as lockdown restrictions are eased across the country.

The spokesman added: “As your boat has been sitting idle for the last few months, please ensure you have good fresh fuel in the tank and that your water and oil is at the correct level.

“Always check the weather forecast and sea conditions before you set off.

“Always wear a lifejacket.

“If you fall into the water unexpectedly, you’re four times more likely to survive wearing one.

“Always carry a means to call for help.

“And do not put yourself, your family or the emergency services at risk.”