
Two children saved by Scarborough RNLI after being cut off by the tide
Two children were brought to safety on the afternoon of Saturday 8 June 2024 by the crew of Scarborough RNLI lifeboat. They had been cut off by the tide by Black Rocks, Scarborough.
The inshore lifeboat (ILB) Super G 11 launched at 5:04pm, following a 999 call from the casualties. They had realised they could not find a suitable route back to safety and were tucked in under the cliff with no other way out. They called Humber Coastguard and reported themselves cut off by the tide.
Scarborough RNLI's helm assessed the casualties, confirming that neither of the casualties was injured. It was decided the best and safest course of action was to bring them back to shore and hand them over to HM Coastguard.
Speaking after the call out, Paul Huggins, ILB Helm, at Scarborough RNLI said: ‘Despite being shocked at being cut off by the incoming tide, the casualties did well to call 999, ask for the Coastguard and provide their location as soon as they knew they needed help. Our RNLI crews and lifeguards respond to hundreds of incidents each year with people cut off by the tide, especially because people out walking can find themselves cut off unexpectedly, just like the two casualties had today. Had they not called when they had and not known their location, the casualties may have found themselves in a much more dangerous situation.'
When going for a walk along the coastline or on the beach, the RNLI would like to remind everyone to:
- Always check the tide times and heights and keep a look out for incoming tide.
- Use tide timetables or a tidal prediction app like AnyTide.
- Make sure you have enough time to return safely. If in doubt, seek local advice.
- Always carry a means of calling for help on your person.
- Call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard if you are in danger or you see someone in danger of being cut off by the tide.
- Tell someone else where you’re going and when you’ll be back. They can raise the alarm with the Coastguard by calling 999 or 112 if you are overdue.
Find out more: rnli.org/WeatherAndTides
Notes to editors
- Scarborough RNLI has been operating since 1801 and is one of the oldest stations in the United Kingdom still in operation. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/scarborough-lifeboat-station.
- For further water safety information go to https://rnli.org/safety
- 2024 is the year of the RNLI 200th anniversary, for more information about RNLI200 can be found at https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/2024
- Social media handle: @Scarboroughlifeboatstation, Social media hashtag: #ScarboroughRNLI
Photo Credit: RNLI/ Robert Gaunt
RNLI media contacts
For more information please telephone Laura Lyth, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 01723 360520 or Laura_lyth@rnli.org.uk or Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, North and East, at Clare[email protected] or contact the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
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
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