St Andrews University students braved freezing waters for an annual May Day dip in the North Sea on Tuesday morning.
A stunning sunrise greeted hundreds of skinny dippers, who arrived at East Sands first thing to take part in one of the institution’s oldest traditions.
The event is hugely popular and is supposed to bring good luck in exam results.
However, the coastguard, who were observing at the shore, became concerned about five students in the water and two vessels from Broughty Ferry Lifeboat Station launched to check on their safety.
A spokesman for the lifeboat station said fortunately the group managed to make their own way back to shore safely and nobody was hurt.
He said: “There were concerns for five students who were taking part in the May Dip at the East Sands.
“Both lifeboats were launched but by the time they got there the students had got themselves out of the water.
“We were not required so turned around and were back at the lifeboat station before 7am.”
He added that there was concern for the dookers given how cold the water was.
According to Met Office data gathered at its Leuchars weather station, the temperature had dipped below freezing overnight.
The traditional early morning #MayDay dip at East Sands #StAndrews . Pics courtesy of Iain Carson via St Sndrews Photo Corner. pic.twitter.com/yBXhwZOXUg
— Michael Alexander (@C_MAlexander) May 1, 2018
Students at St Andrew's University take part in the tradition of the May Day Dip. Running into the North Sea at the East Sands at dawn is said to help improve performance in the upcoming Final Exams.#standrews #instastandrews #scotlandshots #scotland #scotlandsbeauty #scot… pic.twitter.com/wPAejPtqDF
— Rich Dyson Photo (@RichDysonPhoto) May 1, 2018
