New information signs to help save lives at sea are to be installed as part of a new partnership project between Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team and North Ayrshire Council.

The project will see brand-new information signs being installed at key locations along the North Ayrshire coastline to ensure everyone, both locals and visitors, knows who to contact if they see someone in difficulty at sea or along the coast.

Kevin Paterson, Station Officer at the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team, said: “This is something which has been on our agenda for some time now and we are delighted the project is now underway and being delivered with the support of Councillor Jim Montgomerie and North Ayrshire Council’s Street Scene department.

“It’s estimated that over 50 per cent of the population do not know who to contact in a coastal emergency, which can ultimately lead to delays in the emergency services being contacted and the right resources being tasked to an incident.

“This delay in the right resources being tasked can have a significant impact on the overall outcome of an emergency at the coast and it is hoped the new signage will help mitigate this risk.

“Phase one has already been completed with signage installed at Ardrossan South Beach, Saltcoats Promenade and Saltcoats Harbour.

“Phase two will see the project extended to encompass the entire North Ayrshire Coastline with the team and North Ayrshire Council’s Street Scene department installing signs at key locations.”

The project will be completed by the end of April with phase three, including the addition of specialist information stickers being installed onto lifesaving equipment, including rescue life rings,

to supplement the new 999 coastguard signs.

Keep up to date with the team through their social media channels at: www.facebook.com/ArdrossanCoastguard and www.twitter.com/ArdrossanCRT