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Riptide warning after surfer pulled out to sea

RNLI/Douglas Wight An RNLI rescue boat with a man in yellow waterproofs pointing at somethingRNLI/Douglas Wight
Rescuers said they faced rough conditions off the East Lothian coast

Water users have been warned of the dangers of strong currents after an experienced surfer was pulled out to sea off the coast of East Lothian.

The RNLI said he was dragged away from the shore amid 10ft (3m) waves at Dunbar on Friday morning.

The inshore lifeboat David Lauder was launched from the nearby harbour within 10 minutes of the alarm being raised but the surfer made it to shore after paddling for 40 minutes.

A surf school instructor said he had done "everything right" in the situation but that the incident highlighted the dangers of rip currents, especially in a big swell.

RNLI/Douglas Wight A lifeboat making its way out to seaRNLI/Douglas Wight
The RNLI responded along with Coastguard teams

Coastguard teams from Dunbar and North Berwick also attended the incident which took place at about 10:30 on Friday.

The rescue was stood down once the teams were satisfied the surfer needed no further assistance, after making it ashore at the Winterfield Golf Club.

Sam Christopherson, senior instructor at Coast to Coast Surf School, said the incident should raise awareness of the dangers of strong rip currents - and the best way to escape from them.

He said: 'If you get stuck in a rip, paddle sideways to escape the current.

"If you still cannot exit, sit on your board and signal for help from shore. Never ditch your board or try to swim against the current.

"The independent surfer today who was dragged out in the rip did everything right once they realised they were in trouble – staying calm and signalling for help.

"They were a long way out, paddling for 40 minutes off the point at Belhaven and, although they managed to get in independently, we would like to thank the RNLI for their help as their RIB ([rigid inflatable boat] endured some really big surf to come and help."

Dunbar RNLI helm Adrian Lavery said he backed the surf school's safety message.

"The conditions were very challenging but when we heard someone was in difficulty in the water we got there as quickly as the sea state allowed.

"The surfer did well to get back to shore and we're delighted he was none the worse for his ordeal."