RNLI Seaburn lifeguards prevent five people from becoming trapped by the tide
On Saturday 28 August, the RNLI lifeguards took preventative measures at Seaburn beach by assisting five beach goers before the tide trapped them.
In the late afternoon, RNLI lifeguard Thomas Wright spotted five beach goers climbing onto the steels – a band of rocks leading out to the sea. As it was near to approaching high tide, Thomas and fellow lifeguard Kai Tate encouraged the group to return to shore.
The charity’s lifeguards assisted the five across the rocks and back to shore. Luckily, these preventative measures meant that nobody sustained any injuries. However, if this was a mere ten minutes later, the group would be at least waist deep in water.
Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Sean Mills emphasised the importance of this assist: ‘This may not seem like one of our major rescues, but the work of Thomas and Kai was extremely important.
'It is vital to research tide times and analyse any tidal cut off points before visiting a lifeguarded beach. The tide can very quickly come in and within minutes you can find yourself trapped.
'Before visiting one of our lifeguarded beaches, ensure you are prepared by checking the weather and the tide times.'
For more information please visit: https://rnli.org/safety/beach-safety
Notes to editors
RNLI Seaburn lifeguard service has been operating since 2001. To learn more about the lifeguarded beach go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches/seaburn-beach
Lead Lifeguard Supervisor Sean Mills 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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