Surfer Escapes Rip Current Off East Lothian Coast

Water users have been warned about the dangers of strong currents after an experienced surfer was pulled out to sea off the coast of East Lothian. The RNLI said the surfer was dragged away from the shore amid 10ft (3m) waves at Dunbar on Friday morning.

The inshore lifeboat David Lauder was launched from the nearby harbour within 10 minutes of the alarm being raised. The surfer made it to shore after paddling for 40 minutes. Coastguard teams from Dunbar and North Berwick also attended the incident, which took place at about 10:30 on Friday.

A surf school instructor said the incident highlighted the dangers of rip currents, especially in a big swell. Sam Christopherson, senior instructor at Coast to Coast Surf School, said the surfer had done everything right once they realised they were in trouble.

He said: "If you get stuck in a rip, paddle sideways to escape the current. If you still cannot exit, sit on your board and signal for help from shore. " Dunbar RNLI helm Adrian Lavery said the conditions were very challenging but the crew responded as quickly as the sea state allowed.

The rescue was stood down once the teams were satisfied the surfer needed no further assistance after making it ashore at the Winterfield Golf Club.