Whitby RNLI rescue walkers after they get trapped by incoming tide.

Whitby's inshore lifeboat was launched after a call came in from the public who spotted two people trying to climb a wall to escape the incoming tide.

The volunteer crew quickly reached the scene and transferred the pair to the lifeboat. The boat returned to harbour where safety advice was given to the two people, who were unharmed in the incident.

Whitby RNLI Station Mechanic Richard Dowson said: 'When walking along the coast, always check your access points as well as the tide times. If you are not close to an exit point we would advise planning your trip around the tide times. The water can rise a lot more quickly than expected, leaving people trapped and unable to reach safety.

We would also like to remind people when walking on the beach to carry a means of calling for help. The coastguard can be alerted by calling 999.'

For more information contact Lifeboat Press Officer Ceri Oakes on 07813359428 or 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.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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.