Jamie Greene MSP: 'We must support our brave RNLI teams'

AS SOMEONE who is proud to represent North Ayrshire in the Scottish Parliament, I know how lucky we are in this stunning part of Scotland.

From Saltcoats and Ardrossan to Largs and across to Arran, we are surrounded by some of the most beautiful coastline in the country.

On a sunny day, there’s nothing quite like heading down to the beach at Saltcoats for an ice cream, walking the prom at Largs, or heading on over to Millport for a cycle. And after the recent spell of warm weather, it’s no wonder so many of us have been drawn to the water.

But with that beauty comes responsibility – and recent events have reminded us why.

The sea, as inviting as it looks, can catch even the strongest swimmer or most confident paddleboarder off guard. Cold water shock, riptides, and sudden changes in weather can turn fun into fear in a matter of moments.

Many of you will have seen the news about a missing person incident off our coast between Saltcoats and Barassie.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of our emergency services – Police Scotland, the RNLI lifeboat crew from Troon, and the Coastguard teams from Ayr and Arran – the individual was found.

I think I speak for everyone in our community when I say how thankful we are. For the family and friends of that person, it must have been an incredibly distressing time. Thankfully, the story ended with relief rather than heartbreak.

As MSP for this beautiful coastline, I want to encourage everyone to enjoy it – but to do so safely. Be honest with yourself about your swimming ability. Keep an eye on children and vulnerable adults. Follow safety signs and advice and never underestimate the power of the sea.

We’re incredibly fortunate to have emergency crews and volunteers who are there for us when things go wrong. The recent rescue effort is just one example of how our police, coastguard, and RNLI lifeboat crews drop everything to help people in danger – often at great personal risk.

The RNLI are almost entirely dependent on public donations – 94 per cent of their funding comes from ordinary people like you and me, with just one per cent from government. For a coastal area like ours, where lifeboats are literal lifelines, I believe we should do all we can to support them.

So here’s my ask: if you can, please consider making a donation to the RNLI. Or, if you’ve got time to give, think about volunteering. Every little helps to keep their crews ready to respond, no matter the weather.

The thought of being lost at sea sends a chill down my spine, but it’s a comfort to know that here in North Ayrshire there are people who would go out in all conditions to bring us home safely.

The least we can do is support them – and play our part by staying safe when we’re enjoying our beautiful coast.