Largs RNLI volunteers launched to assist a vessel in difficulty near Skelmorlie at the weekend.
The pagers of the volunteer crew at Largs RNLI sounded just before noon on Saturday, August 19.
HM Coastguard had requested the launch of Largs lifeboat in response to reports of a rigid hulled inflatable boat in potential difficulty near to Skelmorlie.
The coastguard had attempted to make contact with the casualty vessel without any success.
Arriving on the scene, Largs lifeboat established the casualty vessel was en route to Milllport, on the island of Cumbrae, and wished to continue without assistance.
However, due to the poor weather conditions Largs lifeboat remained with the casualty vessel as far as Largs Yacht Haven, at which point the decision was made for the casualty vessel to enter the Yacht Haven where the vessel was met by Coastguard rescue teams.
Largs lifeboat then returned to the lifeboat station where it was cleaned, refuelled and made ready for service.
The RNLI has since issued key safety measures for personal watercraft users to consider every time they go out on the water:
Wear a buoyancy aid that provides extra floatation in the water should you fall in.
Stay with your watercraft in an emergency - it can help you to keep afloat and make you easier to locate.
Wear suitable clothing for the forecasted conditions such as a wetsuit.
Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof pouch to use in an emergency to raise the alarm. Make sure to carry this on you somewhere accessible, for example around your neck.
Always check your equipment beforehand, make sure the drainage plug is in place and always wear a kill cord if fitted and carry a spare.
Largs lifeboat volunteer helm, Andrew Malone said: "There are always additional safety steps watercraft users can take in order to stay safe such as taking lessons to develop skill, being aware of the environment and hazards, going with someone instead of alone, checking the weather forecast and tide times before setting out and by telling someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
"If you get into difficulty at sea or along the coast, or spot someone else in trouble, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
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