RNLI crew and lifeguards rescue children and adults from the water
The lifeboat crews and lifeguards worked with partners to ensure that the kayaking and paddleboarding group got back to shore safely.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident around 12.30pm on Tuesday 24 June – and told that 32 children and adults were in trouble in the water.
Sam Clow, Coxswain at Tynemouth RNLI, said: “The tasking we got was to 32 children and adults who had been caught unawares by the wind and were being blown off shore.
“We worked together with Cullercoats RNLI, who arrived at the scene before us, RNLI lifeguards and others, and brought them all back safely.
“Every child we got to had an adult with them and, when we debriefed with them afterwards, we heard that they had done everything correctly when they became aware of the difficulties they were in.”
In total, lifeboat crews rescued 13 children and five adults, and the rest managed to safely return to shore before the lifeboats launched.
RNLI lifeguards had gone out into the water, just off Cullercoats Bay, with the group who were in difficulties while lifeboat crews and others were launching and getting to the scene.
Lifeguard George Legg said: “It was an intense situation with force 5 winds blowing outside the harbour creating lots of wind chop. The lifeboat arrived and gradually took casualties away whilst we stayed out and made sure there were no threats and everyone was stable.”
Senior Lifeguard Alfie Meeson said: “The situation unfolded so quickly and just goes to show how quickly things can change at the beach. I’m glad we were able work efficiently with the other emergency services to get a positive outcome for the casualties and I am really proud of the team.”
If you’re considering getting out on the water paddleboarding, here is some advice:
- Always wear a buoyancy aid
- Tell someone where you’re going
- Carry a mobile phone
- Check the weather. Avoid offshore winds and be aware of tidal currents as these can make it difficult to return to the shore
- Know your limits
- Remember to Float to Live. If you end up in the water unexpectedly or are in trouble in the water without your board then float on your back.
You can read more here Stand-up Paddleboarding Safety Tips And Advice From The RNLI
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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