THE ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has been taking the world by storm over recent weeks and the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team joined in the social media craze but with a difference.

After being nominated for the challenge via Facebook, the Coastguard Rescue Team decided to use it as an opportunity to promote a coastal safety message at the same time.

A spokesperson for the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team said: “The team was nominated to take part and we never shy away from a challenge. Everyone in the team had seen the videos of friend’s reactions getting covered in ice cold water and we instantly identified an opportunity to highlight the issue of cold water shock and the importance of wearing a lifejacket.

“Over half the drownings around the UK occur less than three metres from safety because the effects of the cold water prevent people from being able to save themselves with the water around the UK classified as ‘cold’ for much of the year.

“A good lifejacket with a light, sprayhood and whistle will massively increase the likelihood that you can either save yourself or survive long enough for rescuers to find and rescue you if you are unfortunate enough to fall into cold water.” “As well as promoting a key safety message, it also allowed for some inter-service rivalry between our flank Coastguard Rescue Team in Largs and also our colleagues from Police Scotland.

“The team is always looking for new ways to promote coastal safety and this challenged seemed like the perfect opportunity. Our advice however remains simple – Play It Safe and if you think you see someone in difficulty at the coast then dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

You can watch the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team’s Ice Bucket Challenge video on their Facebook page at facebook.com/ardrossancoastguard.

Among the hundreds of local people to get involved so far are Councillors Jim Montgomerie and Ruth Maguire, Council Leader Willie Gibson and officers of the Ayrshire Police Division.