LIFEBOAT and Coastguard crews were called out after a surfer found himself in difficulty off Belhaven Beach.
The experienced surfer was dragged away from the shore by a powerful rip current amid three-metre waves at about 10.30am yesterday (Friday).
Dunbar’s inshore lifeboat was launched from the town’s harbour less than 10 minutes after the alarm was raised and was on scene within three minutes.
Fortunately, the surfer had managed to get himself to shore at Winterfield Golf Club, after paddling for 40 minutes.
After being satisfied that the surfer was safe and required no further assistance, both the inshore and all-weather lifeboats, which had launched from Torness Power Station, were stood down.
Now, visitors to the coastline are being urged to be careful.
Sam Christopherson, senior instructor at Coast to Coast Surf School, said: “Surfers and other water users should be aware that the sea can have strong rip currents especially in big swell.
“If you get stuck in a rip, paddle sideways to escape the current.
“If you still cannot exit, sit on your board and signal for help from shore.
“Never ditch your board or try to swim against the current.
“The independent surfer today who was dragged out in the rip did everything right once they realised they were in trouble – staying calm and signalling for help.
“They were a long way out, paddling for 40 minutes off the point at Belhaven and, although they managed to get in independently, we would like to thank the RNLI for their help as their RIB (rigid inflatable boat) endured some really big surf to come and help.”
The lifeboat crews were joined by Coastguard colleagues from Dunbar and North Berwick.
Adrian Lavery, Dunbar RNLI D class helm, said: “We wholeheartedly back the surf school’s safety message.
“The conditions were very challenging but when we heard someone was in difficulty in the water we got there as quickly as the sea state allowed.
“The surfer did well to get back to shore and we’re delighted he was none the worse for his ordeal.”
If you see someone in trouble in the water call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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