A sea safety campaign set up in the wake of a dramatic rescue at a north-east beach has taken up residence at Fraserburgh’s esplanade.
Claire Levett founded the Fraserburgh Surf Lifesaving Group after the town’s lifeboat crew went to the aid of two children who got into trouble while swimming at the bay last July.
Scott MacLean and Isla Sim, then aged 12 and 13, were pulled to safety after strong currents dragged them 200ft out to sea.
At the time, rescuers said Scott was just moments away from drowning.
The rescue sparked a call for greater safety measures at the sands by local councillor Ian Tait.
He was quickly joined by Fraserburgh Academy teacher Ms Levett, a surfer, who went on to found the group last year.
Last night, she said the 10 members would be patrolling the beach year-round in an effort to prevent further tragedies.
She added that moving into the old Synergy Kitesport building overlooking the bay was a “really important” development.
“It’s essential, really, for the next step – getting ourselves more known in the community,” Ms Levett said.
“It’s the perfect building to run patrols from, but we need more adults and more equipment.
“Since last year, we’ve done our training over the winter and I’ve done a trainer assessor course so that I’m now able to train up other lifeguards. More adults trained up would mean we can start children’s sessions for seven to 14-year-olds.”
The group has received donations from local businesses to spend on rescue boards and on Tuesday, Banff and Buchan area committee agreed to give £400 so members can buy more.
Mr Tait described it as a “worthy” cause to support.