RNLI Saltburn lifeguards rescue 13 people
On Thursday 19 August, the RNLI Saltburn lifeguards had a busy day rescuing 13 people from tidal cut offs and flash rips.
The lifeguard team at Saltburn beach were kept busy with the unpredictable weather. Early in the day, Senior Lifeguard Tom Davis alongside fellow lifeguards Matthew Sayer and James Amerigo entered the water after spotting five people trapped near Huntcliff.
The group were swimming when the tide cut them off and prevented them from making their way back to the beach. All five were returned safely to shore, where they underwent a series of medical checks. Luckily, none sustained any injuries.
Later in the day, the lifeguarding trio rescued eight people in different incidents, all of whom were trapped in flash rips. All eight were returned to shore safely and received medical checks as well as safety advice for swimming when a rip current appears.
Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Andrew Hogg praised his team’s efforts, whilst also reinforcing what to do when facing a rip current:
‘Flash rips are unpredictable and can appear without warning. When caught in a rip current, do not attempt to fight it. Remain calm and call for one of our lifeguards who will be on hand to help.’
Andrew also issued a weather warning for beachgoers:
‘When visiting an RNLI lifeguarded beach this summer, ensure you always check the weather before your visit. The weather can be very unpredictable and informing yourself of tidal times is essential to keep yourself safe.’
If you find yourself stuck in a rip current, follow our Float to Live advice:
· Fight your instinct to thrash around
· Lean back, extend your arms and legs
· If you need to gently move them around to help you float
· Float until you can control your breathing
· Only then call for help or swim to safety
For more information please visit: https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/rip-currents
Notes to editors
RNLI Saltburn lifeguard service has been operating since 2001. To learn more about the lifeguarded beach go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches/saltburn-beach
Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Andrew Hogg is available for interview.
RNLI/Derry Salter
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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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