'Thank you for saving my life,' A Special Thank you for Cullercoats RNLI
'Thank you for saving my life,' A Special Thank you for Cullercoats RNLI
Lifeboats News Release
While the crew were finishing up after training this morning, (Sunday 2nd September), they had an unexpected and heartwarming visit from Tia Smith, her family and friends.
On Saturday 19th May this year, Cullercoats Lifeboat crew saved Tia's life after she was swept out to sea from Sandhaven Beach in South Shields. The crew had been tasked to the scene, where several teenagers were thought to be in danger. On arrival, one sharp-eyed crewman happened to look out to sea and caught sight of what he thought was a person around 700m from the shore. When they investigated, they found Tia, floating just under the surface. She was immediately brought on to the lifeboat and found to be conscious but extremely cold. They crew also discovered that she couldn't swim. Tynemouth RNLI cared for Tia's friends, who had managed to scramble up the beach. Members of Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team and South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade were also tasked by the Coastguard to assist on shore while a police helicopter also searched the area.
Ben Bradshaw, Cullercoats RNLI lifeboat helm, said at the time: 'The girl we pulled from the water was extremely lucky as she was a long way from the beach and difficult to spot, and if we hadn't already been launching to another less urgent service we may not have reached her in time to save her.'
Tia returned to the lifeboat station today with her family and friends to say thank you to the crew once again for saving her life and to inform them that she has done some fundraising for the RNLI. Tia also plans to do a charity event in the future in aid of the RNLI. Thank you, Tia, for your hard work and for your visit!
Written by Anna Heslop, Cullercoats Lifeboat Crew Member and Press Officer, [email protected]
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.
