A lifeboat was called out to waters off St Andrews East Sands after concerns for students taking part in the annual May Day Dip.

Five swimmers make it to shore safely as students gather at East Sands for traditional early-moring dook

Lifeboat crews were called out to rescue St Andrews students taking part in a bracing May Day Dip.

Two vessels from Broughty Ferry Lifeboat Station launched at around 5.45am yesterday after Coastguard officials, who were at the shore, became concerned about five students in the water during the early-morning dook.

A spokesman for the lifeboat station said: “There were concerns for five students who were taking part in the May Dip at the East Sands.

“Both lifeboats were launched but by the time they got there the students had got themselves out of the water.

“We were not required so turned around and were back at the lifeboat station before 7am.”

He said there was concern for the dookers given how cold the water was. According to Met Office data gathered at its Leuchars weather station, the temperature had dipped below freezing overnight.

Students gathered at East Sands for the annual tradition, which some believe brings good luck in forthcoming exams.

Those who got up early to take the plunge witnessed a stunning sunrise.

A spokeswoman for HM Coastguard said: “The lifeboats were launched after concerns were reported for five students. They were checked over and none required hospital treatment.”

Police later appealed for students who had lost possessions on the beach to collect them from St Andrews police station, having been handed “a number of items.”

Similar events were held around the country despite temperatures plunging overnight. According to Met Office statistics, the mercury dipped to just 1C – with the water said to be at least four times as cold.

Forecasters say it is unlikely to get much warmer in the coming days, with highs of 12C predicted until tomorrow. However, it will get warmer overnight with predicted temperatures of 9-10C tomorrow morning and Friday morning.

Pictures: PA. Students from St Andrews University take part in the traditional May Day Dip on the East Sands in St Andrews. Plunging into the freezing North Sea at dawn on the first day of May is said to promote good luck in exams.