Lifesavers praised

Statistics released by the RNLI show the number of launches and incidents attended in 2017. And Broughty Ferry has again been named as one of Scotland’s busiest stations.

In 2017, the crews based at the Ferry were called out 70 times and aided 36 people.

Incidents included several searches for people who apparently fell from the bridge.

The figure is slightly down on last year, when the station saw 92 call outs, but it remains in the top three busiest lifeboat stations in Scotland.

There were 1,159 launches across Scotland and RNLI Lifeguards assisted in 207 incidents.

Broughty Ferry station has two vessels at its base in Fisher Street — the Elizabeth of Glamis, a Trent Class lifeboat and the Sheila Barrie, the UK and Ireland, at least one person dies from drowning each day.”

He added: “We believe one drowning is one too many and we would encourage people to think ahead and to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their family safe at the coast.”

About half of those who die at the coast find themselves in the water unexpectedly, often due to slips, trips or falls.

The RNLI advises that preparation is crucial and that planning activities, checking the weather and tide conditions, and making sure you are aware of what to do should an emergency occur is key.

It also advises you should have a method of calling for help should something go wrong and to be sure that you are carrying the necessary safety equipment.

If you do come across someone in trouble, you should alert the lifeguards or call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

LIFEBOAT crews at Broughty Ferry were called out to incidents 70 times in the last year, new figures have revealed.

The Trent Class lifeboat based in Broughty Ferry out on another shout in the River Tay.