East Lothian news: Lifeboat launched after family with three children spotted on an inflatable with no buoyancy aids

A lifeboat was launched after a family was spotted on an inflatable with no buoyancy aids.

The family were spotted off the coast in East Lothian in the vicinity of the Leithies near North Berwick.

The lifeboat approached, identifying two adults and three children, aged four, eight and 10, on board.

They weren’t wearing any buoyancy aids and were only in their swimming costumes.

The crew provided safety advice and strongly recommended they return to shore, which they did under the supervision of the lifeboat.

In a statement on social media, the crew explained: “Although the air temperature is high, the water temperature off North Berwick remains cold enough (14°C) to induce cold water shock.

"Wearing a wetsuit can help mitigate the effects of cold water shock should you find yourself unexpectedly in the water and a buoyancy aid or lifejacket will help you float.

“Inflatables should never be used on the sea, a small change in wind can easily blow them into open water.”