The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Lifeboat crews demonstrate skills in dramatic training drill
Emergency services personnel hone lifesaving expertise during live exercises
Locals and visitors alike were treated to the stunning sight of the emergency services honing their lifesaving skills during an exercise drill off the Fife coast over the weekend.
Members of the volunteer Kinghorn RNLI lifeboat crew practised winching casualties from the water in difficult conditions in the Firth of Forth on Saturday afternoon, with the arrival of the Coastguard helicopter Rescue 199 causing a bit of a stir in the area.
The helicopter, which flew in from its base in Prestwick especially for the training exercise, landed on a field near Kinghorn Primary School and could be seen hovering just offshore as lifeboat crew members put their skills to the test.
It came as part as a busy weekend for the local lifeboat crew, which had two call-outs earlier in the day on Saturday.
Thankfully the crew members were stood down on both occasions.
A spokesman for the RNLI confirmed: “We had two call-outs on Saturday, one to Gullane to support North Berwick lifeboat with the rescue of a kitesurfer in difficulty.
“Fortunately, he made it safely ashore and we were stood down 10 minutes after launch.
“We had a second job around 12.45pm following reports of a person in the water at Dysart. It turned out this was a diver who was not in any difficulty – a false alarm with good intent.
“We then welcomed the Coastguard rescue helicopter from Prestwick for a training exercise.
“They landed at the primary school where our team was briefed on the aircraft before they took off for winch training off Kinghorn.
“Our helms and trainee helms were able to practise forming up under the aircraft while our newer crew got the chance to be winched up and experience that. A great afternoon for both teams.”
The Kinghorn crew joined forces with colleagues from the coastguard at Leven, St Andrews and South Queensferry earlier this month to revalidate their lost and missing person search skills, while also introducing newer members to the teams.
With high winds forecast over the coming days, the RNLI has urged members of the public to beware of the increased risk of overtopping from waves on coastal paths and roads.
A spokesperson added: “We find ourselves being tasked more often to assist Police Scotland with searches, so it is vital that we can not only search coastal areas, but come inland and find people in a variety of different terrains and environments.”