Longsands RNLI lifeguards help rescue surfer caught in rip current

At 1:20pm RNLI lifeguards at Longsands Beach spotted a male surfer struggling in difficult conditions at the south end side of the beach, an area which can be prone to rip currents. The team immediately launched the inshore rescue boat to assist the surfer.

As the lifeguards were launching, two members of the public who were out surfing were able to get to the casualty and provide support while the lifeguards were en route.

The rescue lasted a couple of minutes and the exhausted male surfer was brought back to shore with no injuries.

During the summer months, beaches are often the main attraction for sun grabbers across the region, and the charity’s lifeguards are there to ensure people remain safe and respect the water.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor, Sandy Kerr said: ‘We want everyone to have fun at the beach and enjoy the sun, but we need to ensure that people understand how they can keep themselves and others safe.

‘We actively encourage people to visit a lifeguarded beach and to swim between the red and yellow flags, this way if anyone gets into trouble our RNLI lifeguards are there to assist.’

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For more information, please contact Megan McBride, RNLI Regional Media Engagement North East and East, on 0191 5269158 or [email protected]

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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.

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