Fisherrow Coastguard

Thoughts are with Kerry’s family, friends, and colleagues. Thinking of you all at this very sad time.

52% of Lifejacekts checked during last weekend's lifejacket clinic at East Lothian Yacht Club may have not inflated as their wearer expected.

Common faults found included;
📆Out of date for service; All the lifejackets checked were out of date for a service or had never been serviced. It is recommended that lifejackets are serviced annually (normal cost: £20-25).

🎈Out of date automatic inflation cartridges; manufacturers recommend that recreational users replace these every 2 years or by the date printed on cartridge (normal cost: £10-15).

🛢Rusted CO2 cylinders leading to abrasions on bladder; an annual service will pick up rust and check bladder integrity.

A number of lifejackets presented may not have inflated at all despite research showing they can increase your chances of survival by up to four times if you’re immersed in cold water (Prof. Mike Tipton, 2012).

The RNLI has comprehensive advice on the selection, fitting and maintenance of lifejackets on their website if you want to learn more (link below in the comments)

Edinburgh Marine Academy are our nearest Maritime Coastguard Agency accredited lifejacket Service Centre.

“Blocking access routes could put lives at risk, especially during incidents where time is of the essence. Please keep access clear for emergency services at all times.”

All the very best with your retirement Joe. Stay in touch 😀

HM Coastguard - Joe Mitchell

We would like to give a special mention to Senior Coastal Operations Officer Joe Mitchell who recently retired after completing 43 years’ service with HM Coastguard. Joe worked for the majority of his service from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency sector base at Port Edgar and is well known amongst the coastal communities in the Lothians and Fife. Joe has worked extensively with both legacy forces, Police Scotland and he is also well respected amongst the national search community. During his service, he has been involved in many search & rescue incidents including aircraft crashes, major incidents, missing people, and ships in distress. In this image, we see Inspector John Mackay presenting Joe with a gift from Police Scotland at his retirement ceremony.

We wish you a fantastic retirement Joe and thank you very much for your outstanding commitment to public service.

For those without power due to Storm Éowyn, we have food trucks serving hot meals at multiple locations in the Borders, Ayrshire, North Wales and East Lothian.

Up to date information about the locations is available on our website here 👉 www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/pages/severe_weather_update.aspx

Thank you for your understanding as we continue our efforts in ensuring everyone is restored as quickly and safely as possible.

The Met Office have now upgraded the previously issued ‘amber warning’ to a dangerous red status. 👇

Planning a trip to the coast this weekend?

Winter at the coast can be beautiful, but it can be unpredictable and dangerous. Here are some key safety tips for visitors:

• Check the weather forecast for high winds, rain or even snow 🌧️❄️

• Be cautious on wet or icy surfaces on coastal paths which can become slippery. Watch your step and wear sturdy footwear 🥾

• Stay away from cliff edges and bases. Cliffs can be more unstable than they look, cliff falls or landslides happen without warning ⛰️

• Allow time to get back safely before nightfall. Take a torch with you for extra visibility 🔦

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard 📱

Yellow Weather Warning
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High winds are forecastq in this area from 0700 hrs on Saturday to 2100 hrs on Sunday. The wind strength is predicted to be more than 50 mph at times over the weekend.

Please be careful in coastal locations & sea fronts as they will likely be affected by sea spray and large waves. Stay up to date with the weather via the Met Office or local Media.

RECRUITMENT IN THE EAST COAST AREA - NOW OPEN

Fancy a challenge? Want to learn new skills and be part of a large team assisting others? Rope Rescue, Search, Casualty Care and water rescue!

Recruitment is currently open seeking volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers in your area.

You will need to:

• Live or work reasonably locally to a Coastguard Station

• Have availability to attend emergency calls during the day and/or night

• Be 18 years old or above and hold a full UK driving licence

•Be in good health and able to pass a Coastguard medical

• Be a team player and train regularly on Tuesday evenings

No prior experience is needed, full training will be given in disciplines such as water rescue, rope rescue, lost & missing person search, casualty care and other specialist skills depending on the Coastguard Team you join.

To apply for any of these simply click on the application link below, select AREA 4 and input the team you wish to join

Volunteer as a coastguard The Coastguard Rescue Service is made up of volunteers who carry out rescues and help those in distress around our coast.

We were joined last night at training by Rhona Meikle, a long standing member of North Berwick RNLI and police officer.
In a wide ranging and informative talk, Rhona shared some of her experiences working for the police and as a volunteer crew member and stressed the importance of agencies working together to achieve the best results.
Many thanks Rhona.

Great experience for the team working with partners from Police Scotland Edinburgh and the Royal Navy at this multi-agency training event.