HELENSBURGH'S coastguard team says it will be carrying out "high visibility patrols" in the area this weekend in anticipation of increased visitor numbers.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed today that phase one of the Scottish Government's 'route map' out of lockdown will commence from tomorrow (Friday), meaning people will be allowed to spend more time outdoors, sunbathe in parks and meet up with members of one other household at a time.

However, with the relaxation of some rules coinciding with a period of warm and sunny weather over the weekend, the Helensburgh Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) issued a reminder to locals and visitors to stay safe around shorelines.

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A post on the CRT's Facebook page said: "With today's announcement from the Scottish Government on the easing of lockdown restrictions, Helensburgh CRT in partnership with Police Scotland will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the Argyll and Bute and West Dunbartonshire areas tomorrow and over the weekend.

"The purpose of these will be for incident prevention.

"We expect that there will be a lot more people visiting the coast after today's announcement and we want to ensure that everyone remains as safe as possible whilst enjoying themselves."

Below are some simple tips listed on the CRT page to ensure your own safety:

  • Even though the weather is nice and warm, the water is not. On Wednesday, the water temperature of the Clyde was around 10 degrees celcius. Cold water shock can occur under 15 degrees celcius.
  • Water and alcohol do not mix - your judgement and reactions are impaired, don't enter the water whilst under the influence.
  • Inflatables are not for use at the coast, leave them at home.
  • If going out on the water, please ensure all equipment is fit for use and working correctly, especially since it may have been sitting unused for a while.
  • Be sensible, don't put yourself or others at risk.

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If out on the water, also consider the use of the RYA SafeTRX app, which is free to use and can alert emergency contacts should you fail to arrive on time. It also helps the Coastguard determine your location: visit rya.org.uk for more details.

Helensburgh CRT, meanwhile, were called out to an incident on the other side of the Clyde on Wednesday afternoon after reports of a vehicle in the water at the Renfrew ferry.

A 52-year-old woman was pulled from the submerged car after it was reportedly driven at speed into the water.

The Burgh team remained on scene along with a Police Scotland Dive and Marine Unit until the vehicle was recovered from the water at around 5.30pm.

The woman was said to have been checked over by paramedics at the scene and an investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances.

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