Adrian and Kai Lavery, the first father-and-son volunteer duo for Dunbar RNLI, raced to assist a stranded paddleboarder and spear fisherman who got into trouble at sea in the Borders, Scotland. The alarm was raised around 3:30 p.m. on July 4, 2026, when HM Coastguard received reports of the pair "in difficulty" at Pease Bay, about nine miles southeast of Dunbar.
Rescue Mission Details
The inshore lifeboat crew, including Adrian and Kai Lavery, launched from Dunbar Harbour and reached Pease Bay at approximately 4:00 p.m. By then, the stranded individuals had managed to haul themselves back to shore. A coastguard team met them and found them safe and well, with no injuries.
Earlier that day, Adrian and his daughter Rosa had attended the Pease Bay Fun Fest, where they promoted water safety and engaged with holidaymakers about the RNLI's lifesaving work. They participated in a food-eating contest, narrowly losing to Dunbar Fire and Rescue Service.
First Callout for Father-Son Duo
A spokesperson for RNLI Dunbar Lifeboats said: "The callout was notable for being the first for father and son volunteers Adrian and Kai Lavery who were part of the inshore lifeboat crew." The service also reminded paddleboarders to avoid offshore winds, wear buoyancy aids, carry a phone in a waterproof pouch, and use the correct leash.
Dunbar RNLI coxswain Gary Fairbairn commented: "We were pleased the two people made it back ashore unhurt and it was a false alarm with good intent. There was a fresh breeze yesterday and our advice to stand-up paddleboard users is to avoid offshore winds, wear a buoyancy aid, carry a phone in a waterproof pouch and wear the correct paddleboard leash."
Fairbairn added: "We were delighted to be invited to take part in the Pease Bay fun fest – but didn’t expect to be back there quite so soon!"
