Woman rescued off the coast of Kirkcaldy by Kinghorn RNLI crew

The lifeboat crew from the RNLI in Kinghorn have rescued a woman off the coast of Kirkcaldy.

They were alerted on Sunday afternoon just before 2.30pm, following multiple 999 calls reporting a swimmer in difficulty at Seafield beach.

The lifeboat was at the scene within five minutes and spotted the female casualty holding her tow-float in confused seas.

Helm, Scott McIlravie said: "On arrival, spotting the casualty was difficult due to the waves which were over 1.5m high at points along with rocks and creel pot buoys in the area.

"After a short time and with assistance from Kinghorn coastguard rescue team, the casualty was spotted approximately 100m offshore.

"We manoeuvred towards the casualty taking great care amongst rocks just below the surface.

"She was then pulled aboard the lifeboat and assessed.

"The casualty was not in need of any urgent medical attention but was taken to Kirkcaldy harbour to be handed over for assessment by the ambulance service.

"Coastguard teams from Kinghorn and Leven were also on hand to assist.

"The casualty who was a regular swimmer and well equipped took the right actions when she realised she was in difficulty by holding onto her tow-float and conserving energy.

"For anyone who would like safety advice for sea swimming, please visit the RNLI website.

"If you do get into difficulty, please call for assistance as soon as possible."

If anyone or anything in difficulty at the coast is spotted, the advice is to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.