Two call outs for Whitby's inshore lifeboat over weekend

​Two people had called 999 after getting cut off by the tide near Saltwick Nab in Whitby. The charity's inshore lifeboat was launched at 6.45pm and returned the two people safely to the harbour. The boat was rehoused at 7.10pm.

Coxwain Mike Russell said: 'The volunteer crew did a brilliant job as always and managed to quickly retrieve the two people cut off, they even managed to make it back for the rest of the show.

'But on a serious note, we would like to remind people walking on the beach to check the tide times and make sure you know you can make it back, as these situations don't always have a happy ending.'

The second call out came on Sunday when again the charity's crew were paged to help two people in kayaks from the water at Sandsend.

The inshore lifeboat was launched at 4.05pm, on arrival the RNLI beach lifeguards had already got the two people from the water and onto the beach. Before returning the inshore lifeboat was re-tasked to another two kayakers which were 3/4 of a mile of Sandsend Ness. With a strong off shore wind it was decided that the safest option would be to transfer the two people to Sandsend.

Coxwain Mike Russell said 'Well done to the lifeguards for their quick response in this situation where conditions can escalate fast. Quick decision making from the RNLI lifeguards and lifeboat volunteers meant that the safest possible outcome was achieved for all involved.'

For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer at Whitby, Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or at ceri_oakes@hotmail.com

Photo: File photo of Whitby's inshore lifeboat. copyright: Ceri Oakes/RNLI

Key facts about the RNLI

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution is the charity that saves lives at sea. Our volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service in the United Kingdom and Ireland from 238 lifeboat stations, including four along the River Thames and inland lifeboat stations at Loch Ness, Lough Derg, Enniskillen, Carrybridge and Lough Ree. Additionally the RNLI has more than 1,000 lifeguards on over 240 beaches around the UK and operates a specialist flood rescue team, which can respond anywhere across the UK and Ireland when inland flooding puts lives at risk.

The RNLI relies on public donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. As a charity it is separate from, but works alongside, government-controlled and funded coastguard services. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824 our lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved at least 140,000 lives. Volunteers make up 95% of the charity, including 4,600 volunteer lifeboat crew members and 3,000 volunteer shore crew. Additionally, tens of thousands of other dedicated volunteers raise funds and awareness, give safety advice, and help in our museums, shops and offices.

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The RNLI is a charity registered in England and Wales (209603) and Scotland (SC037736). Charity number 20003326 in the Republic of Ireland