Summer Safety is a joint partnership with the Ardrossan Coastguard Rescue Team and Newsquest International to make sure your Summer trips to the cast are ones to remember for all the right reasons – not the wrong ones.

Fishing remains a popular pastime for many and there’s plenty of excellent fishing locations along the Ayrshire coastline.

Angling from rocks, unguarded piers, jetties and harbour walls brings a range of potential risks with it. Rocks can be dangerous and slippery so it’s always worth considering whether there is anywhere safer to fish. Because there’s little to hold onto even a small wave can easily wash you off your feet and into the sea. Make sure to choose suitable footwear such as sturdy walking boots – waders or wellington boots are not suitable and not recommended.

The coastguard always advise wearing a suitable flotation device, checking the weather and tidal conditions and to tell someone on the shore, likely a family member at home, where you are going and when you will be back. Make sure they know that if you don’t return to dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.

A fully charged mobile phone is essential to ensure you can raise the alarm if there’s an emergency. A torch is always handy to have as well, which can be used to attract attention if it’s dull or overcast or you intend to fish into late evening.

Fishing from beaches is also popular although some beaches can be an unstable shelf of stones and shingle that can be difficult to scramble out of and will be more pronounced over high water. Don’t wade in these conditions and consider wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid. Don’t wade into breaking waves as the undertow can sweep you off your feet.

When fishing from beaches surrounded by rocks or seawalls, ensure you are not cut off by a rising tide or an increase in wave action. If you are not familiar with the beach you intend to fish, take the time to assess the area and monitor the wave and tide motions.

Bait digging and collecting can be dangerous and is best left to professionals. However, if you still want to do it get as much information as you can about your collecting area including areas of soft mud, banks, tidal conditions and the weather forecast.

Make sure that your waders or boots are not too tight and can be kicked off should you become bogged down. Don’t go out at night or alone and only collect a failing tide in the low water period. Tell someone at home where you are going, when you’ll be back and where you are parking. Remember, mud flats can be dangerous places. If you’re in difficulty call the coastguard immediately – time and tides wait for no one.

It’s crucial that people #KnowWhoToCall if there’s an emergency at the coast. In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency it’s always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.