RNLI simulation passes the test

BROUGHTY Ferry lifeboat volunteers have helped “rescue” a group of paddleboarders hit by a boat during a training operation.

The exercise simulated six paddleboarders acting as casualties left seriously injured after being hit by a powerboat near Broughty Castle.

It was part of a rescue scenario involving the Coastguard, the RNLI and the ambulance service on Wednesday night.

The exercise was designed to test the emergency services’ response plans and procedures.

Broughty Ferry RNLI highlighted the fact it was a training exercise on social media after concerned onlookers gathered at the scene.

The post said: “Those of you out for a walk along the beachfront tonight could be forgiven for believing something bad had happened on the Tay.

“But fear not, Broughty Ferry RNLI, in conjunction with our partners at HM Coastguard Angus & Dundee, RNLI lifeguards Scotland and Scottish Ambulance Service, along with some very realistic casualty actors and the crew of the yacht Wanderer, took part in a joint exercise that simulated a powerboat colliding with a group of stand-up paddleboarders near Broughty Castle, resulting in six seriously injured casualties.

“The purpose for such an exercise was to test each of the agencies’ preparedness for a major incident on the coast, allowing them to validate plans, develop their staff competencies and test procedures already in place.

“Following the incident each of the agencies involved deemed their response both individually and collectively a success.”

One local said: “I seriously thought there had been an incident and that a person was at the touchand-go stage of life.”

The Coastguard, RNLI and ambulance service taking part in a very realistic exercise with “casualties” at Broughty Castle.

Paramedics tend to a “casualty”