PEOPLE from all over Ayrshire did their bit to help keep the local shoreline safe by braving the New Year chill for charity on January 1.

Organised by, and to raise funds for, the Coastwatch Scotland Irvine unit, the seventh annual event attracted lots of people keen to shake off the Hogmanay cobwebs and welcome in 2024 in as bracing a fashion as possible.

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Irvine Times:

The volunteers from Coastwatch provide eyes and ears all along the Ayrshire coast, from Troon in the south to Ardrossan in the north, listening to radio channels and providing vital pairs of eyes on the shoreline during spells of poor visibility.

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They are trained to administer first aid, to give advice on safety on or near water, on tides and currents, to help with navigation in and out of Irvine Harbour and to watch over wildlife.

Volunteers provide a vital link with all the emergency services and can provide an emergency contact point on land for both sea and shore users.

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Irvine Times:

Irvine Times:

To find out more about the group’s work, including the volunteering opportunities available with the organisation, check out coastwatchirvine.co.uk.