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RNLI Saltburn lifeguards rescue 13 people

Lifeguards News Release

On Thursday 19 August, the RNLI Saltburn lifeguards had a busy day rescuing 13 people from tidal cut offs and flash rips.

Three male lifeguards stand in front of a white hut on the sand. The front lifeguard is in a yellow top. The back two are in red jumpers that have the RNLI badge. The white hut has the word Lifeguards as well as a safety warning to swim between the red and yellow flags.

RNLI/Derry Salter

RNLI lifeguards Matthew Sayer (left), Senior Lifeguard Tom Davis (centre) and James Amerigo (right)

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.

Photo Credit

RNLI/Derry Salter

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Derry Salter, RNLI Media Engagement Placement on: 07929 673281 or email: [email protected]

Or, the RNLI Press Office available 24/7 on 01202 336789 [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.