Two families were rescued by the RNLI lifeboat from Cramond Island on Thursday when the tide came in and they found that they were stranded.
Cramond is a tidal island that can be reached by low tide via a causeway. However, once high tide arrives, people on the tidal island no longer have a safe passage back to the mainland and get stuck on the island, or on the causeway.
The Edinburgh Reporter asked the RNLI media team for comment.
This is what was posted on Facebook:
”At 1306 today (Thursday 17 October), UK Coastguard tasked Queensferry Lifeboat to eight people cut off by the tide at Cramond Island.
“The lifeboat launched and made best speed to Cramond in calm conditions. Two crew members were put ashore to ensure the casualties were not in need of medical attention. All eight persons were safely transported from the island to Cramond Village and into the care of South Queensferry Coastguard
“We are on spring tides over the next few days which means that the tidal range is at its largest and there may be stronger then usual currents. Water levels can also be higher than predicted.
“If planning a visit to Cramond Island, we advise you to check the tide times which can be found on our website, by texting CRAMOND to 84100 and on signage at the beginning of the causeway.
“Before heading to the coastline, ensure you are dressed appropriately for the conditions and have a means of calling for help. If you find yourself in difficulty, or you spot anyone else in danger, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”
CramondIsland #TideTimes #SpringTides #FullMoon
People crossing the causeway to Cramond are encouraged to check the safe crossing times beforehand and arrange suitable plans to return back, but unfortunately, many members of the public have been caught off guard and have needed rescuing by the RNLI.
Michael Avril, Water Safety Lead for the RNLI in Scotland, said in 2023: “We’re seeing more and more people needing our support when visiting Cramond Island. We’ve encountered people stuck on the island due to being cut off by the tide, and even had to rescue people who have attempted to walk back and been caught out by the high tide.
:We’d strongly encourage everyone planning to visit Cramond to check the safe crossing times before heading out to Cramond and return back to the mainland with adequate time to avoid being caught out by the tide.”
To check the safest times to cross, text CRAMOND to 81400 or check the clearly displayed signage before crossing the causeway.
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