RNLI Lifeguards assist Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue at Roker seafront fire

At around 10:45am, during the UK’s hottest day so far this summer, a fire broke out on the grass of Marine Walk in front of Granny Annie’s pub. The charity’s lifeguards immediately cordoned off the area to prevent both pedestrians and drivers from getting near to the blaze until Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue crew arrived.

It is suspected that sparks from a grinder ignited the dry grass, with the hot weather conditions being a contributor.

The fire and rescue crew were able to extinguish the blaze immediately, with no harm to the public or nearby properties.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Alex Richardson said: ‘We are proud of our lifeguard team who were quickly on hand to make sure the public were kept a safe distance away from the fire. Although this incident wasn’t concerning water safety, it this is the perfect example of how the RNLI lifeguards aren’t just here to keep everyone safe in the water.

‘Our priority is promoting safety on the beach and in the water.’

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

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