VOLUNTEERS who were thrown into the water as they battled to rescue a wild swimmer have been recognised for their efforts.

Emergency services, including lifeboat crews and Coastguard, were called out to Tyninghame Beach on September 18 last year.

Conditions were so treacherous that the lifeboat capsized and volunteers were thrown into the water.

Tragically, the 51-year-old man, who was named locally as Douglas Meiklejohn, died after getting into difficulty in the water.

Dunbar RNLI had its presentation night recently, where crew members Alan Blair, Chris Woods, Duncan Binnie and Douglas Wight were among those recognised by John Payne, director of lifesaving operations.

In the commendation, Mr Payne wrote: “In challenging surf conditions, the crew were initially unable to locate the casualty and so a crew member was landed ashore to support.

“The lifeboat then came close inshore for a second search and capsized, placing the crew in the water.

“Despite the capsize, a crew member waded into the surf line and located the casualty.

“The lifeboat was then righted and recovered safely to station.

“This service was incredibly demanding and you demonstrated courage and initiative throughout.

“Your ongoing determination and commitment to saving lives at sea is greatly appreciated.”

The ceremony at Dunbar Royal British Legion recognised the efforts of all those connected to the RNLI. Long-serving volunteer fundraisers, shop workers, committee members and crew were all praised.

Mark Lees, chairman of the lifeboat management group, said that the event was about expressing appreciation to the remarkable service that volunteers had made to the Dunbar community.

He said: “Whilst the crew are the people who go into the dangerous situations, and rightly receive the publicity and praise for doing so, they are all very aware of the huge amount of work that the wider station team do to support them in that endeavour.

“Without the help and support of all the volunteers – shop staff, the fundraising committee and the lifeboat management group – there would be no lifeboat at Dunbar.

“Along with the community, who remain our staunchest of supporters, coxswain Gary Fairbairn and the crew would like to thank each and every one of you for your continued service, support and dedication.”

Special awards were presented to Rod Primrose, who has retired from the lifeboat management group after serving for 25 years; Dave Anderson, who has left his role as lifeboat operations manager; and Gipper Ainslie, who will soon depart as full-time station mechanic after 10 years.

Receiving special gifts of flowers were Sheon Cairns and Moira Porter, who last year stepped down from the fundraising committee after 26 and 25 years’ service respectively.

Receiving awards for voluntary service to the fundraising committee were Fiona Fleming (24 years), Ken Headley (15 years), Martha Windram (13 years), Liz Hutton (11 years), Val Foster (three years) and Diane Fairgrieve (two years – not present).

Receiving awards for voluntary service to the shop were Ken and Marie Headley and Pamela Denholm (17 years), Patricia Wilson (13 years), Margaret Brown (11 years), Liz Hutton (eight years), Rose Burchell (three years) and Carol Hamilton (one year).

Also recognised but not able to attend were shop volunteers Maureen Watt (19 years), Margaret Headley and Jean Rae (15 years), Sue Barnott (14 years), Shona McManus (13 years), Sally Drysdale (12 years), Liz Brown and Linda Baines (10 years), Wendy Badger, Liz Thomson and Susan Davidson (nine years), Joan Halpin (eight years), Alison Mitchell (seven years), George Andrew Elliot, Lois Antoinette d’Esterre and Severine Jeanne Lemoine-McGinnes (six years), John Baines, Pauline Douglas and Emma Barnott (five years), Janet Kearsley, Hazel Budge, Norma Kinnear, Alison Wilson, Jenny McLaren, Heather Amabilino and Susan McGarrigle (two years), and Wendy Lorimer, Diane Fairgrieve, Susan McGilvray and Patricia Brady (one year).