RNLI warning after couple cut off by tide

The RNLI have urged people to check tide times after two people had to be rescued by volunteer crews when they were cut off by the tide.

The crews from Staithes and Runswick Bay were alerted to two casualties stranded near Kettleness, east of Runswick Bay on Sunday.

Crews found the couple, who were using the light on their mobile phone to attract attention, and swam ashore to recover them to the lifeboat one by one.

While wet and cold, the casualties were fine after being brought back to the lifeboat station to warm up, an RNLI spokesperson said.

Redcar RNLI's lifeboat volunteer crews, further up the coast, also responded to reports of casualties cut off by tide the same afternoon.

Volunteer Helm Lee Jackson said: "The casualties did exactly the right thing in ringing 999 and asking for the Coastguard when they realised that they were cut off."

An RNLI spokesperson said it was important to prioritise safety during a visit to the beach.

"Check tide tables and be aware of the tide’s direction to avoid getting cut off," they said.

"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."

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