Largs Lifeboat

29/05/2026

Largs RNLI volunteer Ryden passes out as qualified crew

On Wednesday 27 May 2026 Largs RNLI volunteer Ryden Murphy completed his Tier 1 training and passed out as qualified lifeboat crew.

After months of training at Largs lifeboat station, and at the lifeboat college in Poole, Ryden was assessed by Angus Fergusson, RNLI Local Trainer Assessor (LTA) based at Largs, during Wednesday’s training session and successfully met all of the criteria for the Tier 1 of the training framework.

The RNLI Operational Competency Framework (OCF) is designed to provide volunteers with a clear and structured training framework that can take individuals from joining all the way to becoming helm.

The Tier 1 passout is a crucial milestone in a crew member’s training. Ryden now has his sights set on completing the OCF Tier 2 training. This will involve learning new skills along with practising those already learnt.

Largs Lifeboat Operations Manager, John Griffiths said: ‘ I am delighted for Ryden. He has demonstrated dedication and enthusiasm throughout his training, and his Tier 1 passout is a testament to his hard work and commitment.

‘If you get into difficulty, or see someone at risk or in trouble at the coast or in the sea, you should always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

28/05/2026

Two separate call outs on Wednesday 27th May.

1/ Largs Lifeboat was requested to launch at 3.25pm on Wednesday to assist a jet ski with a single occupant being blown offshore at the south end of Largs.
On arrival at the area the volunteer crew quickly located the casualty, who was found to be without a buoyancy aid and wearing thin clothing, when he was taken on board the Lifeboat he was found to be uninjured but feeling extremely cold. Due to the easterly winds the jet ski was quickly drifting towards the main shipping channel and due to the risk to other shipping the helm decided to take the jet ski under tow.
The casualty and jet ski were then taken ashore and handed over to the care of the local coastguard rescue team.
With all safe the Lifeboat returned to station and made ready for the next service call.

2/ Whilst on weekly lifeboat training the Lifeboat crew were requested to attend Millport Bay Isle of Cumbrae after the UK Coastguard had received 999 calls from concerned members of the public reporting a group of 4 teenagers stranded on the outer Eilean Island.
On arriving in the area the Lifeboat crew spotted a female swimming back to shore, on approaching her she advised she did not require any assistance.
The four teenagers were then spotted and a crew member was sent ashore to talk to them and ascertain what the issue was.
After a discussion and the crew member being told by the teens they were going to use a Yoga mat to assist them getting ashore, the Helm decided that the safest option was to take all four onboard and transfer them to shore.

With the wind picking up speed all four agreed and were then transferred back to Millport Pier where they were landed safely.

With all safe ashore the Lifeboat was released to continue on its exercise before returning to station and being made ready for the next call out

25/05/2026

Sunny skies and seas of wellies at Largs RNLI Welly Walk

Monday 25 May 2026 seen crew, fundraisers and supporters at Largs RNLI pull on their wellies to join in with the Largs RNLI Welly Walk.

Future crew members of all ages took part in the walk which started at the Fishworks on the Prom, with the participants enjoying the Bank Holiday sunshine as they made their way along to the finish line at the lifeboat station.

The crowds of supporters were lucky to be joined by the RNLI’s very own Stormy Stan who joined in with the fun, stopping for high fives and selfies along the route.

Those who successfully completed the walk received a medal on arrival at the lifeboat station and an icecream from the Beachcombers, who kindly donated an icecream to everyone who took part in the event. Our thanks once again to Tiffany for supporting this event, the ice creams were very much enjoyed by everyone on such a beautiful day.

Largs RNLI would like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in this event and of course to our wonderful Fundraising Team for organising it.

As a charity we rely on fundraising and donations to allow us to continue to save lives at sea.

24/05/2026

We hope you can join us tomorrow, Monday 25th May at 10:30am.

We hope to see you there!

Hopefully you can come and join us for our Mayday Welly Walk on Monday 25th May at 10:30am.

We will be walking from The Fishworks along the promenade to the lifeboat station.

We hope you can make it along!

22/05/2026

Water Smart Education programme

RNLI lifeguards are expanding their Water Smart Education programme to reach more young people across Scotland.

These fun, engaging and informative Water Smart sessions for young people aged 7-11 teach lifesaving skills such as Float to Live, explain the role of lifeguards, and introduce the wider work of the RNLI.

Lifeguard Supervisor Kelly Bowler says: ‘Teaching people water safety skills at a young age makes a huge difference. It keeps children safer, reduces the situations us lifeguards later respond to, and helps key safety messages spread to the young people’s families.'

If you are a youth group leader, teacher or part of a community organisation in or near Glasgow, Scottish Borders, Edinburgh or Dundee, don’t hesitate to get in contact with the team to arrange a free lifesaving session by emailing [email protected]

Sessions will run from now until 18 June 2026.

21/05/2026

We are currently recruiting for a volunteer Water Safety Officer at Largs RNLI.

This exciting and rewarding role is ideal for someone who would enjoy sharing the RNLI's vital messages as part of the water safety team at Largs RNLI.

To find out more and apply visit:

The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea, but it’s not limited to launching a lifeboat or providing lifeguards to save lives.

18/05/2026

Its been a bit quiet on our social media posts lately.

We have been busy with training, attending local events and as always call outs.

As of 15th May the Lifeboat has been tasked 4 times this month, with call outs ranging from assisting kayakers who have gotten into trouble, to assisting in the search for a missing person.

Don't forget the next important date at Largs Lifeboat station is the annual Mayday Welly Walk on Monday 25th May.

Stormy Stan will also be doing this walk and needs the local support to get him across the line.

Hope to see you there.

13/05/2026

Hopefully you can come and join us for our Mayday Welly Walk on Monday 25th May at 10:30am.

We will be walking from The Fishworks along the promenade to the lifeboat station.

We hope you can make it along!

27/04/2026

Sunday lifeboat launch at Largs RNLI

The volunteers at Largs RNLI lifeboat were tasked by HM Coastguard on Sunday 26 April 2026 at 2.50pm. The request to launch was in relation to reports of a yacht, with two people onboard, which had broken down and was drifting near to Largs Yacht Haven.

Volunteers battled their way through the Sunday afternoon traffic to the lifeboat station to quickly launch relief inshore lifeboat ‘Susan Margaret Forsbrey’.

Volunteer shore crew at the station were able to safely cordon the area of the busy prom to allow the lifeboat to be pushed out to the slipway and launched into calm waters in front of a large crowd of interested observers.

Largs RNLI lifeboat made best speed to the given location near to the entry to Largs Yacht Haven. When the lifeboat arrived on scene the casualty vessel was already being assisted by another vessel into Largs Yacht Haven.

Largs lifeboat was then stood down by HM Coastguard, returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service. The volunteers were then able to return to their Sunday afternoon plans with friends and family enjoying the sunshine. However, the volunteers remain on call 24/7 ready to respond to those in need and save lives at sea.

Launch Authority, George Freeburn said; ‘With the better weather arriving we would ask people to take this opportunity to ensure their vessel is ready for the summer season and check all equipment is well maintained and ready for use.

‘Always carry a means of communication such as a VHF radio or mobile phone in a waterproof pouch and let someone know where you are going and when you are due back.

‘Before setting out we would recommend you check both the weather forecast and the tide times.

‘If you get into difficulty at sea or along the coast, or spot someone else in trouble, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’

26/04/2026

Largs RNLI rescue family of paddleboarders

On Wednesday April 2026 at 1:26pm the pagers of the volunteer crew at Largs RNLI lifeboat were activated as HM Coastguard requested the launch of the lifeboat in response to three paddleboarders who were being blown offshore near to Seamill.

The volunteer crew quickly launched relief inshore lifeboat ‘Susan Margaret Forsbrey’ and made best speed to their last known location.

As the lifeboat passed Portencross, the volunteer crew were able to quickly locate two of the three paddleboarders who were in difficulty. These first two casualties were teenagers and as they were brought onto the lifeboat, explained they had become separated from their mum, who was still missing at sea.

With one person still unaccounted for, the lifeboat crew made the quick decision to leave the teenager’s paddleboards adrift in the water to allow them to continue to proceed to search for their mother.

With concerns growing regarding the safety of the third casualty, the volunteer crew onboard Largs RNLI lifeboat requested Troon RNLI lifeboat to launch to assist with the search.

Working closely with the Coastguard Rescue Team on the shore, Largs lifeboat was directed toward the location of the third casualty. The volunteer lifeboat crew were then able to bring her safely onto Largs lifeboat to join her children.

With the knowledge all the family were now safe, HM Coastguard stood down Troon RNLI who were in the process of launching their lifeboat.

With the casualties safely onboard, Largs lifeboat proceeded to Ardrossan Marina where they were met by the local Coastguard Rescue Team. The family was also reunited safely with their dad.

With all persons safe and well, Largs lifeboat was stood down by HM Coastguard, returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service with the volunteer crew remaining on call and ready to respond at a moment’s notice for the next call for help.

Andrew Malone, helm of Largs RNLI lifeboat, said; ‘Paddleboarding is an activity which can be great fun when done safely.

‘We would encourage people to ensure they wear an appropriate buoyancy aid and carry a means of calling for help, such as a mobile phone in a waterproof case. You should always check the weather forecast and tide conditions before you set out. Offshore winds can quickly sweep you out to sea and we would always advise against entering the water in these conditions.

‘If you do find yourself in difficulties you should dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’