Call out for Whitby RNLI after reports of person in the water.

A call was made to HM Coastguard this afternoon (Sunday 19 April) when two people were spotted cut off by the tide below Whitby Pavilion.

It was reported that one of the casualties was in the water.

Whitby RNLI crew were paged at around 4pm and launched the inshore lifeboat.

A search of the area was undertaken but the casualties had managed to swim to safety.

Helm on the inshore lifeboat, Lee Harland said: 'We were relieved to hear that the pair had managed to get themselves to safety. At this time of year entering the water unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock.

We would advise always checking the tide times when visiting the beach and allowing plenty of time to exit the beach, as the tide can come in more quickly than expected.

Always carry a means of calling for help and if you do get into difficulty dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

Why is cold water shock dangerous?

Anything below 15°C is defined as cold water and can seriously affect your breathing and movement, so the risk is significant most of the year.

Average UK and Ireland sea temperatures are just 12°C. Rivers such as the Thames are colder - even in the summer.

How does it happen and what are the cold water shock symptoms?

Cold water shock causes the blood vessels in the skin to close, which increases the resistance of blood flow. Heart rate is also increased. As a result the heart has to work harder and your blood pressure goes up. Cold water shock can therefore cause heart attacks, even in the relatively young and healthy.

The sudden cooling of the skin by cold water also causes an involuntary gasp for breath. Breathing rates can change uncontrollably, sometimes increasing as much as tenfold. All these responses contribute to a feeling of panic, increasing the chance of inhaling water directly into the lungs.

This can all happen very quickly: it only takes half a pint of sea water to enter the lungs for a fully grown man to start drowning. You could die if you don't get medical care immediately.

How to deal with cold water shock and minimise the risk

If you enter the water unexpectedly:

• Take a minute. The initial effects of cold water pass in less than a minute so don’t try to swim straight away.
• Relax and Float to Live.
• Keep calm then call for help or swim for safety if you’re able.

For more information contact lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at [email protected]

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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.