First service call of the year for Cullercoats RNLI
Cullercoats RNLI's first service call of 2025 was to assist a member of the public in the water yesterday (Thursday 2 January), close to Cullercoats’ south pier.
The casualty was seen by onlookers to have entered the water from the pier for a swim, which was dangerous in current conditions. Concerned members of the public raised the alarm and the lifeboat was on scene within minutes, along with Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade. The casualty self-recovered and the crews were stood down.
Cullercoats Lifeboat Operations Manager, Kay Heslop, said; ‘We’d like to take this opportunity to remind people of the dangers of cold water and of entering the sea in rough weather without adequate preparation or equipment. The casualty in this case was able to get themselves to safety but the lifeboat crew were on hand and prepared to assist if required.’
Cullercoats RNLI also urged members of the public to avoid parking on the brae outside the lifeboat station, blocking access to the boathouse and preventing the immediate launch of the lifeboat.
Kay said: ‘The minutes it takes to locate a vehicle owner and have them move their car to allow the lifeboat to launch can mean the difference between life and death for someone in distress in the water.'
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For more information, please contact Sarah Whitelaw, RNLI volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer: [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.