Drama unfolded at Cliff Beach

The Coastguard received an emergency call after the pair got into trouble at Cliff Beach, Uig.

Luckily, the two swimmers managed to get out safely by the time emergency services had arrived on scene.

Miavaig Coastguard Rescue Team was sent along with the Coastguard’s helicopter based at Stornoway. The helicopter took one of the individuals, a woman, to the airport where she was handed into the care of the waiting ambulance. Coastguards from Miavaig also provided advice to the remainder of the group who were on the beach.

Graham Cay from HM Coastguard said: “Even the strongest swimmer and a person with good local knowledge can be caught out at the coast, especially by rip tides which can’t easily be seen from shore.

If you get caught in a strong or a rip current try to stay as calm as you can, raise your hand and shout for help. Hold on to your surf or body board if you have one. Try and swim parallel to the beach until you’re out of trouble then swim to the shore. If you can stand up and wade instead of swimming.”

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency say you should always call 999 if you see someone in difficulties. They would rather deal with a call made with good intentions than arrive too late.