LIFEBOAT volunteers were called to assist four teenagers stranded on a small islet off Millport after concerns were raised they were attempting to return to shore using a yoga mat.
The Largs RNLI crew were taking part in a routine training exercise on Wednesday, May 27, when HM Coastguard requested their assistance following multiple 999 calls from members of the public.
The callers reported a group of youths stuck on the outer Eilean Island in Millport Bay, Isle of Cumbrae.
On arrival, the lifeboat crew spotted a female swimming back towards shore, who confirmed she did not need any help. Attention then turned to the remaining four teenagers still on the island.
A crew member was put ashore to assess the situation and speak with the group. During the discussion, the teenagers indicated they planned to use a yoga mat to help them make their way back across the water.
With winds beginning to pick up and conditions worsening, the helm decided this posed a safety risk and that the safest course of action was to bring all four aboard the lifeboat.
The teenagers agreed and were transferred safely back to Millport Pier, where they were landed without incident.
Earlier in the day, the lifeboat had also been launched to assist a jet ski rider being blown offshore at the south end of Largs. The individual, who was not wearing a buoyancy aid, was taken aboard suffering from the cold but otherwise uninjured.
The jet ski was towed ashore due to the risk it posed drifting towards the main shipping channel.
The lifeboat later returned to station following both incidents and was made ready for further service.
