Coastal death figures released this week by the RNLI show more people die at the Scottish coast in August than in any other month of the year, in line with the UK national trend.

But research from the charity shows less than one-fifth (17%) of the UK population say they would call 999 immediately to request help if they saw someone fall into open water.

The number of incidents is also highest in August, with the charity’s lifeboat crews in Scotland launching to most emergencies at sea during this busy summer months. The charity is reminding people to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard in the event of an emergency at the coast.

Over the past five years, 28 people have died at the Scottish coast in August, an average of six August deaths each year, more than any other month4.

This is also the busiest time of year for the RNLI’s lifesavers. Last August the charity’s lifeboat crews in Scotland launched their lifeboats in response to 164 emergencies – 15% of their total annual launches and more than in any other month of the year.

As part of the RNLI’s drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water, the charity is calling on the public to help save more lives during this busy August period by remembering and sharing key survival skills. First, if you see someone else in danger in the water, fight your instincts to go in after them and instead call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Largs RNLI spokesman Alasdair Woods said: "Here in Scotland we are entering our busiest month of the year when more people get into trouble in the water than any other month, this i some good advice both for the person in danger and the onlooker on the shore. Please be aware."