Surfers rescue swimmers from rip tide at Tynemouth

CASUALTIES SUFFERING FROM SHOCK AND HYPOTHERMIA

A GROUP of swimmers had to be rescued by surfers after getting into difficulty in the water at Tynemouth.

The Cullercoats RNLI and the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade were called to the scene on Sunday morning after a caller reported what they believed to be four surfers in difficulty off the south end of Tynemouth Longsands.

When crews arrived on scene they found a “challenging situation” with a number of people who had been recovered from the water.

Two casualties had inhaled significant levels of water and had to be given oxygen.

The crews also carried checks out on a number of other individuals who were suffering from a range of conditions including shock and hypothermia at mild levels.

It transpired that the incident had started when around a dozen swimmers, who are part of a sea swimming Facebook group, had entered the sea shortly before 9am.

Most had intended to go in only to the height of their knees or waists at most however some of the group entered the sea at the point where a rip tide was running on the beach and after around 10 minutes, they found themselves in difficulty.

A spokesperson for the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade said: “Fortunately a group of three university students on surfboards, and at least one other surfer, responded to their calls to help and ensured everyone was brought ashore before the Lifeboat and Brigade reached the scene.

“After an incident last week, we issued the following advice to sea swimmers, which we would like to reiterate today: wear a wet suit, carry a flotation device, consider using personal location beacons, swim in groups, and ensure that there is a contact on the shore who is aware of their intentions and knows to dial 999 and ring the Coastguard in the event that they miss their expected return time.”