MULTI-AGENCY RESCUE LAUNCHED FOR MALE IN INFLATABLE CANOE
The Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team was called out as part of a multi-agency incident in Saltcoats this afternoon.
The team was called out alongside Troon Lifeboat, Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 199, the Scottish Ambulance Service and Ayrshire Police Division to reports of a male in distress in an inflatable canoe.
The team responded immediately and on arrival the male was being brought ashore by two passing jet skiers who had been alerted to the incident. The male had went into the water in the inflatable canoe without a life jacket or personal flotation device and subsequently ended up in the water.
Immediate casualty care was provided by the team with the male being under the influence of alcohol and suffering from the effects of the cold having been in the water. A rapid response paramedic and double crewed ambulance arrived a short time later with the male being handed over and left in the care of paramedics.
We continue to advise the public against taking part in any sort of water-based activity after consuming alcohol and to always wear a life jacket or a personal floatation device when heading out to sea. Lifejackets save lives but they are absolutely useless unless worn and worn correctly.
Our thanks to the eagle-eyed jet skiers who were nearby and able to render quick assistance and as always to our partner agencies for the continued support.
Search and Rescue - it's what we do.
In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.