Latest news with #Cullercoats
The Independent
16 hours ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Watch: RNLI rescues kayaking expedition goes wrong in strong wings
Watch as the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) steps in following a kayaking expedition off Cullercoats Bay, North Tyneside. The service was alerted to 32 children and adults in trouble in the water at around 12.30pm on Tuesday (23 June). The team, which launched the rescue effort in powerful winds, were able to rescue 18 people, with the other 14 people managing to get to shore themselves before lifeboats launched. Lifeguard George Legg said: 'It was an intense situation with five winds blowing outside the harbour creating lots of wind chop.'
The Independent
16 hours ago
- Climate
- The Independent
RNLI crews and lifeguards rescue 18 kayaking and paddleboarding in strong winds
Lifeboat crews and lifeguards rescued 18 people from the sea after they were blown offshore while kayaking or paddleboarding in strong winds. RNLI crews were told that 32 people, a mixture of adults and children, were in trouble at Cullercoats Bay, North Tyneside, at around 12.30pm on Tuesday. RNLI lifeboat crews from Cullercoats and Tynemouth launched while RNLI lifeguards also joined the rescue effort, which happened in force five winds. Lifeboat crews rescued 13 children and five adults from the sea with the rest making their own way back to shore. Sam Clow, coxswain at Tynemouth RNLI, said: 'The tasking we got was to 32 children and adults who had been caught unawares by the wind and were being blown offshore. 'We worked together with Cullercoats RNLI, who arrived at the scene before us, RNLI lifeguards and others, and brought them all back safely. 'Every child we got to had an adult with them and, when we debriefed with them afterwards, we heard that they had done everything correctly when they became aware of the difficulties they were in.' Lifeguard George Legg said: 'It was an intense situation with force five winds blowing outside the harbour creating lots of wind chop. 'The lifeboat arrived and gradually took casualties away whilst we stayed out and made sure there were no threats and everyone was stable.' Senior lifeguard Alfie Meeson said: 'The situation unfolded so quickly and just goes to show how quickly things can change at the beach.'
The Sun
07-05-2025
- The Sun
Britain's ‘worst' beaches to visit this summer with surprising golden-sand hotspot top of the list
THE UK's "worst" beaches to visit this summer have been revealed with one surprising hotspot ranking top of the list. As Brits make the most of the warming weather, the Environment Agency has put together a list of the 19 most filthy seaside spots. 4 4 These were measured using the agency's water quality data and then marked on a map. It was revealed that the number of " Brown Flag Beaches" has soared by 46 per cent this year. Brown Flags are a "poor" rating by the EA and are usually caused by the amount of sewage in the water. Cullercoats, a sandy beach in Tyne and Wear, received a poor rating from the EA despite having recently gained a glowing review by a travel magazine. Tourists heading to Littlehaven, South Shields have also received a similar warning, telling them to avoid the water where possible. The news comes ahead of what could be a scorching summer, when families will flock to their local beach for children to play in the sea. The worst counties for these beaches are Somerset and Kent, so families may want to stay wary of where they plan a seaside trip. Water companies are permitted to occasionally discharge excess wastewater into the sea during heavy rainfall. However, according to industry regulator Ofwat, some firms have been "routinely releasing sewage" outside these times. This exercise - known as dry spilling - has caused a spike in water toxicity and closure of dozens of beaches. Thousands flock to UK beaches and parks to bask in 26C highs ahead of bank holiday weekend scorcher But those in Northumberland can rest easy, as over 90 per cent of its beaches were given the highest possible score. Dorset, Devon and Cornwall also scored well when it came to cleanliness although each of the counties is also home to a Brown Flag beach. Lincolnshire and Hampshire also scored well for water cleanliness. analysed the data from the Environment Agency. Spokesperson Robbie Lane told the Mail: "I would like to extend my sympathies to beaches in Worthing, Lyme Regis and the other newcomers who have given Brown Flag Awards for the first time. "We had hoped that we'd be handing out fewer Brown Flags this year - but the numbers have surged. "Do your research this summer and you'll be saying 'wish you were here' rather than 'wish I'd worn a hazmat suit'." Last year, a study of 400 beaches looked at the amounts of sewage, faecal matter and counts in the water. Three stretches of Blackpool Beach, which welcomes 18 million visitors a year, made the top ten of the filth table. Blackpool North was the worst offender, returning 4.85/10 for overall water cleanliness, making in Britain's second dirtiest beach. In June 2023, Blackpool North - which sits in front of Blackpool Tower - was closed due to sewage in the water, with members of the public told to stay clear. It was among four Blackpool beaches which advised people not to swim due to sewage in 2023. All of Blackpool's beaches were found to have a 10/10 pollution risk by DEFRA. 4 4
