RNLI Lifeguard Facility vandalised twice in three weeks at Cullercoats Beach

RNLI Lifeguards have had to deal with incidents of criminal damage and graffiti. The charity has to work quickly to have facilities repaired so the lifeguards can focus on their role of patrolling the beach and keeping the public safe.

RNLI Lifeguard Supervisor Sean Mills said: ‘It’s worrying how often our facilities are being vandalised. It is incredibly disappointing for our lifeguards to arrive at work and find their facilities have been damaged.

‘We would like to appeal to those who inflict or aim to inflict damage on RNLI property, we are a charity that focuses on saving lives and the money that is used to repair this damage could be used for more important things.’

If you have any information regarding the vandalism, please contact 101.

Notes to editors

• As RNLI lifeguards need to be physically on the beach during the patrolled hours, ready to respond to emergencies and prevent accidents, the RNLI can’t rely on volunteers to provide this cover seven days a week. Local authorities part fund the RNLI’s costs, which helps to meet the cost of lifeguard wages.

RNLI Media Contacts

For more information contact:

Kate Driver, RNLI Regional Media Engagement on 07486872956 or email at [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07824518641 or email at [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.