Staithes and Runswick RNLI volunteers launch to tidal cut off at Kettleness
Volunteer crew from Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat were paged by HM Coastguard at 3.24pm on 3 November 2024 to two casualties who were cut off at a point near Kettleness east of Runswick Bay.
The casualties, who realised they were becoming cut off by the tide, dialled 999 to ask for help. Staithes and Runswick RNLI's Atlantic 85 B-Class lifeboat Sheila and Dennis Tongue III arrived on scene quickly and located the casualties, who were using the light of the torch on their mobile phone to attract attention.
Finding a sheltered part of the bay, volunteer Helm Lee Jackson said: ‘We used a technique known as anchoring and veering to bring the lifeboat safely closer to the shore.’
One volunteer crew member swam ashore and recovered the casualties one by one to the lifeboat. While wet and cold, the casualties were fine and were brought back to the lifeboat station, where they were assessed by the Lifeboat Medical Officer and warmed up in the crew room.
Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat and flank station Redcar RNLI lifeboat’s volunteer crews both launched to casualties who had been cut off by the tide in the same afternoon.
When planning a day at the beach, prioritise your safety. Check tide tables and be aware of the tide’s direction to avoid getting cut off. This simple preparation can prevent a dangerous situation arising.
If you don't keep an eye on the tide, you could get stranded. As the tide comes in, moving up the beach might not be enough to stay safe. For example, if you’ve walked around a rocky outcrop, the rising water can quickly block your way back.
You can find out more information about tides in your area through tide tables, or on apps, or weather, news or local websites.
Lee added: ‘The casualties did exactly the right thing in ringing 999 and asking for the Coastguard when they realised that they were cut off.’
If you find yourself or anyone in difficulty dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. For more information visit; https://rnli.org/safety
Notes to Editor
Staithes and Runswick RNLI lifeboat has been in operation since 1978 with Atlantic B-Class inshore lifeboats (ILB’s). The present ILB at the station B-897
Sheila and Dennis Tongue III has been on station since 2016.
The RNLI is the charity which saves lives at sea. In 2024, the RNLI is celebrating 200 years - and counting, commemorating this remarkable past, celebrating our lifesaving achievements today, and inspiring a future where we can save every one. More information on RNLI 200 can be found at https://rnli.org/about-us/our-history/2024
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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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