THE Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team is reminding Ayrshire residents of what communication tools should be used and who to call in an emergency at the coast.

According to the team around 50 per cent of people in the country do not know who to call if there is an emergency at the coast.

The Coastguard said: “If there is an emergency at the coast then it’s always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

“This can be done eve n if a phone ha s no credit or is locked.

“If yo u ar e plannin g on going for a walk along the beach or a coastal path, the Coastguard advise the minimum communications equipment carried should be a fully charged mobile phone where there is good network coverage.

“A torch, map and compass are also useful items to have.”