Cullercoats Bay Emergency Services Rescue (2026): RNLI, Coastguard & Multi-Agency Response

Introduction

Cullercoats Bay Emergency Services Rescue: Cullercoats Bay, North Tyneside is one of the UK’s most active areas for inshore rescues. A team at Cullercoats RNLI Lifeboat Station, together with the HM Coastguard, Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB) and RNLI lifeguards work around the clock to deal with emergencies from kayaking incidents, and person-in-the-water callouts, right through to medical emergencies and coastal rescues. Their quick and co-ordinated response continues to save lives and raise water safety awareness along the North East coastline.

Cullercoats RNLI Lifeboat Station Sets Record Rescue Year!

The Cullercoats RNLI Lifeboat Station at Cullercoats Harbour, North Side, NE30 4PZ, saw its most active year ever in 2025 with 63 service calls (up from 45 in 2024).

In one such incident on 20 October 2025, volunteers were made to come out after hearing a cry for help from rocks located on the south side of the bay. After a long search with several Emergency Services, it was concluded that it was a false alarm.

The second launch came a few minutes later at 12:20 a.m. on 21 October.

Lifeboat Operations Manager Kay Heslop, who celebrated her 60th birthday on the day of the 60th rescue call, said a gruelling year has demonstrated the dedication and professionalism of the volunteer crew.

The 32 school girls were rescued in a major kayaking incident.

One of the most recent rescues was the 32 girls from Ateres High School in a kayaking event which became perilous when the sea conditions at Cullercoats Bay rapidly deteriorated.

A coordinated operation by the lifeboat crews at Cullercoats, Blyth and RNLI District 1 successfully rescued all 32 students.

One girl was taken to hospital as precaution but there was no serious injury reported.

An RNLI spokesman said: “The quick collaborative effort of the rescue teams was commendable and he urged schools and outdoor groups to take a close look at the weather forecast and know when it is safe to go out on the water.

Multi-Agency Emergency Response Protecting Cullercoats Bay

Close co-operation between a number of emergency organisations is essential to water rescues at Cullercoats.

Cullercoats RNLI Lifeboat Station operates a 24 hour Volunteer Lifeboat Rescue service and HM Coastguard is responsible for coordinating Lifeboat calls for the Coastguard on the 999 or 112 emergency call service.

Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB) operates along the coast with as its purpose search and rescue and may be contacted by telephone on 07745 290 053 or via email enquiries@tvlb.org.

The RNLI lifeguards have also been on patrol at Cullercoats beach from 2001, helping to rescue people in the water, giving first aid and giving public safety advice during the busy summer season.

These firms provide fast emergency support in the event of an incident on the coast.

Basic rescue scenarios and water safety issues.

Person in the water calls, injuries and hazardous coast activities are common calls for emergency services.

In one case, Cullercoats Lifeboat was called by the Humber Coastguard to assist after a 999 call was received by the coastguard which reported a teenager washed off rocks at high tide.

Browns Bay and The Bears Back were searched, with the Northumbria Police Helicopter involved, before rescue personnel safely phased out the search at 4:27 p.m. due to the lack of a casualty.

The RNLI also offer medical services to lifeguards.

They treated a 21 year old woman with broken tibia and fibula after an accident at low tide on 10 July.

Will Hogg, a senior lifeguard, gave the casualty Entonox pain relief, whilst TVLB stabilised the casualty until help could arrive.

Authorities are also continuing to urge people not to tombstone, with TVLB Captain Peter Lilley stating there is a “serious risk” of it due to groups of young people repeatedly jumping from coastal rocks.

Float to Live Campaign and Water Safety Advice

The RNLI’s ‘Float to Live’ campaign was demonstrated in the North Sea, Cullercoats Bay, ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, by over 40 rescuers.

The life-saving guidance is for anyone who finds themselves in the water unexpectedly to tilt their head back, relax, gently move their hands and legs, let their legs float naturally and stay calm until assistance can be reached.

Nick Ayers, Regional Water Safety Lead for the RNLI said:

“Floating gives people control over their breathing and provides a better chance of survival.”

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service’s Steve Thomas also encouraged people to be “water aware” and take account of the changing seas throughout the year.

RNLI’s Lifesaving Legacy and First Female Helm

RNLI has 238 lifeboat stations and over 240 lifeguard units throughout the UK and Ireland.

Voluntary donations and the charity’s own fundraising efforts have been the source of its funding and have saved more than 146,700 lives since 1824.

A historic event took place in 2026 with Anna Heslop becoming the first female helm in Cullercoats RNLI’s 170-year history.

Her first-ever rescue as helmswomen, she brought a casualty safely back to waiting friends, demonstrating the ongoing development and professionalism of the volunteer rescue service.

Staying Safe at Cullercoats Bay (2026)

By taking a few steps to water safety, visitors to Cullercoats Bay can minimise risks.

Water Safety Tips

• Always use the lifeguarded beach.
• Make sure to know when the tide is in/out before entering the water.
• Stay off rocks as these can cause injury.
• Never engage in tombstoning as this can result in serious injury.
• In a coastal emergency, if you have found yourself unexpectedly in the sea, then you should use the Float to Live technique and dial 999 or 112 and say ‘Coastguard!’.

Key Contacts: Cullercoats Bay Emergency Services

• If you have an emergency call 999 or 112 and request the Coastguard.
• St Merth Station RNLI Lifeboat Station
• Address: Cullercoats Harbour, North Side, NE30 4PZ
• Phone: 0191 252 1820
• Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB)
• Phone: 07745 290 053
• Email: enquiries@tvlb.org
• RNLI General Enquiries: 0300 300 9990

Conclusion

Cullercoats Bay Emergency Services are again showing how much more they need to become a team, respond quickly and educate the public in 2026. Together with the RNLI, HM Coastguard, TVLB and RNLI lifeguards, they save many lives each year; Cullercoats is one of the UK’s best examples of effective coastal rescue and water safety.