Three swimmers in difficulty at Beadnell Bay
At 7.28pm on Monday 27 July 2020, UK Coastguard requested the immediate launch of Seahouses inshore lifeboat, to go to the assistance of three people, reported in difficulty in the water at Beadnell Bay.
The lifeboat was quickly launched and made best speed to Beadnell, arriving as the Seahouses Coastguard Rescue Team also attended.
The inshore lifeboat crew made contact with some body boarders, and were able to establish that they had gone to the assistance of the casualties who had been swimming and were being carried out to sea by the current. They assisted the casualties to shore safely, and reported that they had made their way to a local caravan park.
The Seahouses Coastguard Team arrived and made their way to the caravan park, where they located the casualties, and were able to confirm that they were all accounted for, and were safe and well. No medical assistance was required. They were provided with safety advice.
Ian Clayton, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: 'These incidents are worrying, and highlight the power of the sea which can so easily catch out the unwary. We are relieved that the three were able to get ashore safely, but if the paddle boarders had not been there, the outcome could have had tragic consequences.
'We urge everyone to take care when enjoying the coastline, and to be aware of the speed of tides and strength of currents. A strong westerly wind probably added to the situation.'
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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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