
Vital lifesaving equipment stolen from the RNLI lifeguard unit at Saltburn
Between the evening of Monday 19 August and the morning of Tuesday 20 August, Saltburn lifeguard unit was broken into and vital lifesaving equipment was stolen.
Thieves broke into the lifeguard unit sometime between the lifeguards finishing their shift on Monday and returning on Tuesday. The individuals had some knowledge of the unit as the keys for the RNLI’s red all-terrain vehicle (4x4 quad bike) were targeted and stolen. They unlocked the container where the vehicle was secured and took off with the charity’s equipment.
Helen Williams, RNLI Area Lifesaving Manager said: ‘We are absolutely devastated that someone would do something like this. The vehicle that was stolen is vital lifesaving equipment used on a daily basis to assist our lifeguards in saving lives. Only last week it was used in a serious incident to provide help to a lady who fell from her horse and required urgent medical attention.
She continued: ‘It’s been an extremely busy season on our beaches this year, with a much higher number of serious incidents than normal and this is a massive blow for the whole team at Saltburn. The equipment is funded by donations from the public and we just can’t understand why someone would steal from a charity.’
Police are currently investigating and the RNLI has increased security at its lifeguard units following the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Christopher Wragg via the non-emergency number 101, quoting the event number 142815. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
RNLI Media Contacts
For more information please contact, Kate Driver, RNLI Regional Media Engagement on 07486872956 or email: [email protected] or, Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or email: [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.
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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.