A safety drive has been launched following a dramatic rescue operation at a north-east beach.
Earlier this summer, Fraserburgh’s lifeboat crew went to the aid of two children who got into trouble while swimming.
Scott MacLean, 12, and Isla Sim, 13, were pulled to safety after strong currents began dragging them out to sea.
Rescuers said Scott was just moments away from drowning when they reached him about 200ft off the sands near the Tiger Hill area.
Now Aberdeenshire Council officers have been urged to consider a range of potentially life-saving measures to avoid a repeat of the incident, which happened in the first week of the summer holidays.
Councillor Ian Tait surveyed locals about what improvements they would like to see.
He has now passed on the suggestions to the local authority officials.
These include installing red flags along the promenade, erecting a warning sign at the entrance to the sand dunes area and placing barrels in the sea, anchored to the seabed.
There are also calls to push the sea safety message in schools, while urging families to swim at the town’s recently opened swimming pool instead.
Local teacher Claire Levett has also got behind the campaign. She hopes to set up a Fraserburgh life-saving club, based at the beach.
“The plan is to create a club which promotes water safety, improves fitness and trains up lifeguards in a professional, yet enjoyable, atmosphere,” she said.
Weekly sessions will run all year round, with special sea swimming lessons planned for the run-up to and during the summer break.
Mr Tait said he was now looking at ways to secure funding and storage space for the club.
“I will be giving her every help I can and I will be arranging a public meeting where Claire will explain what is intended for this exciting and valuable project,” he said. “We must minimise the dangers and educate those involved on how to do this.”
Any budding lifeguards or anyone interested in getting involved in the club committee is urged to contact fraserburghslsc@gmail.com