Kinghorn RNLI's Portobello Beach rescue to feature on BBC Saving Lives at Sea programme

Kinghorn RNLI lifesavers to feature for second time in new series of Saving Lives at Sea

The dramatic rescue of a kayaker and a paddleboarder at Portobello Beach is to feature on a prime-time TV documentary series tomorrow evening.

This is the second time the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteer crew from Kinghorn will feature in the brand-new series of popular BBC Two programme Saving Lives at Sea.

Featuring footage captured on helmet cameras, the documentary series lets viewers witness rescues through the eyes of the RNLI life-savers while meeting the people involved.

Megan Davidson, crew member at Kinghorn RNLI, who will feature in the upcoming episode of Saving Lives at Sea on BBC Two.

This forthcoming episode, on Thursday at 7pm, includes the Kinghorn RNLI rescue of a kayaker and a paddleboarder at Portobello beach.

Megan Davidson, a crew member at Kinghorn who will feature in the upcoming episode, said: “The callout was initially to a paddle boarder who had been blown offshore from Portobello beach. At this point, a nearby kayaker had gone out to offer assistance before the lifeboat arrived. However, whilst offering assistance to the paddleboarder, the kayaker suffered a significant medical event.

"When we arrived on scene, we found two casualties and had to get them onto the lifeboat and carry out casualty care prior to an ambulance crew meeting us on the beach."

The popular 10-part documentary is now in its seventh series and includes the lifesaving work of RNLI lifeguards and volunteer lifeboat crews from around the UK and Ireland. The episode featuring the Portobello Beach rescue will also be available on BBC iPlayer following broadcast.

Screenshot of the Kinghorn RNLI rescue of a kayaker and paddleboarder at Portobello Beach.

Including interviews with lifeboat crews and lifeguards, the series also hears from the rescuees and their families who are here to tell the tale, thanks to the RNLI.

Speaking about appearing on Saving Lives at Sea, Megan added: “Our life-saving work would not be possible without donations from the public and we are delighted to be able to share a frontline view of the rescues they support with their kind generosity.”

In 2021, RNLI lifeboat crews around the UK and Ireland aided 12,903 people, saving 296 lives, while the charity’s lifeguards aided 18,180 people and saved 112 lives on some of the UK’s busiest beaches. The Kinghorn station was one of the busiest stations in Scotland in 2021.