Berwick-upon-Tweed RNLI launch to people in difficulty in water

The volunteer crew of Helm Michael Percy, Navigator Shona Richardson and crew Adam Bettison launched immediately and made best speed to the reported location.

On arrival, all of the people involved had managed to return safely to the beach. However, the crew were waved down by a member of the public to assist a casualty who required medical attention. Working alongside Berwick-upon-Tweed HM Coastguard Rescue Team, the RNLI’s CasCARE-trained volunteers provided casualty care, including administering oxygen and carrying out an initial assessment.

The crew also assessed a child who was believed to have swallowed seawater during the incident. Both casualties were subsequently handed into the care of the North East Ambulance Service and taken to hospital for precautionary assessment.

Helm Michael Percy said: ‘This was a rapid response and immediate launch due to the nature of the call. Thankfully, everyone involved had managed to make their way safely back to the beach before we arrived, but they still required medical assistance. Our CasCARE-trained crew were able to provide an initial assessment, administer oxygen and care for the casualties until our ambulance colleagues arrived. We wish them both a speedy recovery.’

The RNLI reminds everyone that if you ever see someone in difficulty in the water, dial 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard. Calling for help early allows the appropriate emergency services to respond as quickly as possible.

If you are planning to visit the coast or take part in any water activity, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the latest RNLI safety advice before heading out. Understanding the risks and knowing what to do in an emergency could save your life or the life of someone else.

The RNLI’s Respect the Water campaign provides practical, lifesaving advice on staying safe in and around the water, including what to do if you find yourself in difficulty and how to help others without putting yourself at risk.

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Hazel Bettison, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for RNLI North and East, [email protected]

Clare Hopps, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for North East and East England, 07824 518641, [email protected]

Richard Grange, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for North East and East England, 07483 112015, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 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.