Rescue teams rushed to Cramond Island at the weekend following reports of a person "in distress" in the water.
The person had been out on the island but when they noticed the tide starting to cover the crossing they attempted to make their way back to shore.
However they encountered difficulty on their way ended up in the water.
South Queensferry Coastguard, RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat, Kinghorn RNLI Lifeboat, Fisherrow Coastguard and a rescue helicopter from Prestwick were all contacted and they made their way to the scene.
However when they arrived they found that the person had waded ashore – something Fisherrow Coastguard teams say generated "great concern" among members of the public.
Rescue teams then also found three other people with a dog who had become cut off by the tide on Cramond Island. They were taken on-board a lifeboat and transferred back to Granton Harbour, with no medical attention required.
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A spokesperson from RNLI Queensferry Lifeboats told Edinburgh Live that it's crucial for people to contact emergency services if they feel as though they could become cut off on Cramond Island, rather than attempting to get back themselves.
They added: "We would remind people to make sure they check the tide times before they go."
Safe crossing times can be found by either texting Cramond to 81400 or visiting the RNLI Queensferry Lifeboats website.
Referring to Saturday's incident, Fisherrow Coastguard posted on social media: "This evening the team were tasked to assist with persons reported to be in the water potentially in distress.
More than 20 people rescued from Cramond Island after becoming cut-off by the tide
"The following assets were tasked by Aberdeen Coastguard as a response: South Queensferry Coastguard, RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat, Kinghorn RNLI Lifeboat along with rescue helicopter (R199) from Prestwick.
"It soon became apparent as rescue assets arrived on scene that the persons had waded ashore. This in itself had generated concern by members of the public.
"The helicopter was stood down on route.
"Time is critical in a potential water emergency and a price is never put on the preservation of life.
"Please remember in a coastal emergency, it's 999 and ask for Coastguard."
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