- A 15-year-old boy rescued two men off the Isle of Skye.
- The youth beat RNLI responders to the scene using his boat.
- Safety experts warn against using inflatable toy boats in open water.
Two males were found in difficulty within Broadford Bay around 9pm on Saturday. They had been using a toy blow-up inflatable boat before falling into the water. A local youth spotted the situation from his home window and decided to sail his own vessel to intervene.
The teenager noticed the men paddling in circles and drifting away. He reached the site and found them in a small kids’ dinghy. The boys rescued both men and brought them to a pier where towels and warm clothes were provided for the survivors.
A local youth beat the RNLI to the rescue
The RNLI launched a lifeboat from Kyle of Lochalsh within 10 minutes of the call. However the crew was informed that the boy had already acted. The teenager successfully recovered the men before the professional rescue service arrived at the last known location.
The helm at Kyle RNLI, Andrew MacDonald, noted that the situation was averted thanks to the boy’s quick thinking. Since no injuries were recorded the lifeboat was returned to station to be refuelled and cleaned for further service duties in the area.
Professionals warn that inflatable toys belong in swimming pools and not in open water. It is vital to wear lifejackets and have comms. Cold water shock can trigger uncontrollable gasping and heart rate spikes even during a record-breaking heatwave.
Ross Macleod, the water safety manager advises the float to live technique to fight panic. This involves relaxing on the back with the head tilted. This method buys time for breathing control before swimming to safety or calling for help via radio.
