A 15‑year‑old boy rescued two men who had fallen from an inflatable toy boat off the Isle of Skye, reaching them in his own vessel before the lifeboat crew arrived.
Archie Law, a local teenager, outpaced a volunteer RNLI crew from Kyle of Lochalsh after the UK Coastguard received a call at about 9 p.m. on Saturday reporting two males in trouble in Broadford Bay.
The RNLI launched its lifeboat within ten minutes and proceeded at best speed to the last known position of the men, who were last seen aboard what rescuers called a “toy blow‑up inflatable boat”.
En route, the crew learned that Archie, who lives nearby, had already spotted the distressed pair and had taken his own boat to assist them.
Upon arrival, they found that Archie had already brought both men safely ashore.
After confirming that everyone was unharmed, the lifeboat returned to its station to be cleaned, refuelled and made ready for further service.
Speaking to Radio Skye, Archie said he noticed the men from his window: “I could see them paddling in circles, drifting farther out in the bay.”
“I decided to check if they were okay. As I approached I realized it was a small children’s dinghy.”
“They were cold, tired and grateful that I had seen them. I brought them to the little pier where they were met with towels and warm clothing.”
Andrew MacDonald, helm at Kyle RNLI, commended Archie for his quick thinking, noting that his decisive action likely prevented a far more serious outcome.
He added, “We urge people to keep inflatable toys for swimming‑pool use only, to always wear lifejackets and to carry a means of contacting emergency services when venturing onto open water.”
A record‑breaking heatwave is forecast for the UK this week; during a hot spell in May at least 15 people died after getting into difficulty in open water.
Even in warm weather, sea temperatures remain low enough year‑round to induce cold‑water shock, which can provoke uncontrollable gasping, a rapid heart rate, panic and ultimately drowning.
Ross Macleod, RNLI water‑safety manager, advised, “Anyone who finds themselves in danger in the water should suppress the panic instinct and ‘float to live’ – lie on your back, tilt the head back, and gently move your hands and legs to stay afloat. This buys time to regain control of breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety.”
