Cumbrae Coastguard Rescue Team

31/05/2026

Visitors are reminded not to block access to the steel platforms and stairs on the north side of Millport Pier as per the signage from North Ayrshire Council. ⛔️🪧

A number of rings and bollards are provided on the masonry pier for securing vessels, along with ladders and steps leading from the water. 🚤⛵️🛥️

The ability to safely transfer individuals to shore who had been recovered by Largs Lifeboat was hindered earlier this week by a vessel which had tied directly to the handrail at the platform and been left unattended. ‼️🚨🆘

Please only use the platform and stairs for embarking and disembarking to ensure that emergency access remains possible at all times. 🙏✅

27/05/2026

‼️📟 Team were tasked last week alongside Largs Lifeboat in response to a lone kayaker offshore in the area of Millport Bay who required assistance. 📟‼️

As the closest asset to the scene, the team were asked to locate them and confirm their condition. 👀🔎🗺️

Fortunately, a passing vessel was able to recover the kayaker aboard and hand them over to the lifeboat for assessment before they were assisted to Largs Yacht Haven. 🚤🛟⛑️

With summer fast approaching, make sure you know how you'd call for help if you found yourself in the water and separated from your craft - Remember, the air may be warm but the water will be cold so dress for immersion. 🌊🥶🆘

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

24/05/2026

☀️ 🏊‍♂️❓👀⬇️

Taking a dip in the sea on a hot day? ⛱️

Don’t be fooled, just because it’s sunny doesn’t mean the water is warm.

Entering cold water, whether deliberately or accidentally, can cause cold water shock.

When this happens, you may gasp involuntarily, followed by rapid breathing that can be very difficult to control. This can increase the risk of inhaling water and drowning.

Never jump straight in. Instead, enter the water slowly to help your body adjust, and avoid swimming alone. Wearing a wetsuit can also help by improving buoyancy and reducing the effects of cold water.

Don’t forget to have warm clothes ready for when you come back to shore.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

23/05/2026

⬇️🆘❓☎️9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣

15/05/2026

📅 Marine Safety Day tomorrow at Largs Yacht Haven 👀

12/05/2026

Prevailing wind has a massive effect on watercraft like paddleboards which sit on top of the water and rely on a paddle to move through the water. 🏄🌊💨

Recent incidents in our area have highlighted the importance of planning what to do if you lose your paddle, if you come off your board and cannot recover, or if the wind changes. ‼️🆘🚨

The incident footage below includes real audio from the 999 call and footage from the rescue. 🎥📲🛟

If you're taking to the water, ask yourself "what if" every time...
• Always check the weather and tide times 🌦️✅
• Wear a suitable wetsuit and personal flotation device 🦺✅
• Carry a means of calling for help 📱✅

These decisions literally saved Alfie's life. If you get into trouble at the coast or at sea, ☎️9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the Coastguard.

03/05/2026

Training this weekend included a debrief of recent local incidents where HM Coastguard assets including our team and Largs Lifeboat RNLI were tasked to persons in distress. ‼️🚨🆘

We discussed the impact of easterly winds and local weather conditions which can pose significant risks to the safety of recreational watercraft as more people start to take to the water as the weather warms up. 💨🧭⛵️

We also discussed community safety messaging and specific resources which can help members of the public stay safe around the coast and on the water, no matter which kind of activity they are undertaking. 🏊🛶🚤🤿

Once kitted up, we stopped at Newton Bay to go over practical identification and description of different types of vessels and the impact of prevailing wind and tide, we checked the condition of the timber section of Millport Pier and that the life rings remained ready for use, and we stopped off at the ferry slipway to check access routes down to the shoreline beyond the construction works and over the rock armour. 📍🗺️⛔️

If you see someone in trouble around the coast, ☎️ 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the Coastguard.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

27/04/2026

Every tasking is normally led by an OiC who is responsible for driving activities on scene, assigning tasks, directing team members and ensuring on-scene safety of all those involved.

Here on Cumbrae, we have a choice of three and by remaining hands-off, they act as a single point of contact for the Rescue Coordination Centre and other assets and agencies who might also be involved in the tasking.

14/04/2026

‼️📟Team were tasked just after 8pm last night alongside Largs Lifeboat RNLI to assist a RIB to the south of Cumbrae which had lost power, was drifting towards shore and at risk of running aground. 📟‼️

The six individuals aboard were safely received ashore by the team where arrangements were made for a relative to attend scene with a second vessel to recover the RIB.🚤🪢

With the lifeboat standing by offshore, the RIB was secured to a temporary mooring in Millport Bay, after which the second vessel was escorted back to Largs by the lifeboat which also transported the six individuals back to the mainland. 🗺️✅

A timely reminder to check your engine and vessel are fully functional before hitting the water this season, wear a lifejacket and don't hesitate to call for help if things start to go wrong. ☎️📡🆘

Order your free boating safety checklists and emergency radio procedures sticker to keep onboard here: https://mca-ws.apsmos.com/ViewProduct.html?sp=Sboatingsafetychecklistandemergencyradioproceduresstickermca345&fbclid=IwY2xjawRK-whleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETB2emVMSjZLT0U0YTU2bFlGc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHlfkAc365jFfl__sQjEH1UuQKJ9_n6A6bGQKN41N1QTs1mU71Vo7fk4QQLxU_aem_yXP9THH8mhq1tvc47d7IWQ

13/04/2026

Regular training last Sunday included an overview of the two new seasonal UK search and rescue helicopter bases; one to the north at Oban and one to the south at Carlisle, both operating the AW 189 aircraft and either of which could be used in our local area. These two bases provide additional aircraft during the busiest periods of the year and are located where historical tasking data shows the greatest need. 🚁📍🗺️

After reviewing our last tasking with Scottish Ambulance Service at Millport Helipad and discussing wider considerations around working with other helicopters, it was all outside to Keppel Pier for an extremely challenging session using throwlines. Shoreside techniques like this avoid the need for the rescuer to commit themselves to the water thereby reducing risk, while still affecting rescue of a casualty. 🪢🛟🆘

Here on Cumbrae, you'll find life rings at various locations near the water. These can provide immediate help to someone in trouble by keeping them afloat while the attached line enables them to be pulled to safety. ✅

If you see a person or vessel in trouble around the coast, don't put yourself in danger but ☎️ 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the Coastguard.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency