Emergency service scrambled to rescue surfer near South Shields beach
Emergency services were called to check on someone in the water off the coast of South Shields over the weekend.
Emergency services were scrambled to help a surfer reported to be in danger near a South Shields beach.
On Sunday, April 12 the RNLI and South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade were made aware of someone in the water near Sandhaven Beach, in South Shields.
The initial check came from the Tynemouth RNLI team, who were already in nearby waters on an inshore life boat (ILB) as part of a training session. An inshore life boat is a smaller, inflatable looking vessel.
An update from Tynemouth RNLI said: “While on exercise Tynemouth ILB was tasked to check on the welfare of a surfer off South Shields beach who looked to be struggling to make their way back to shore.
“The ILB made it's way quickly and found that the surfer had made their way back ashore and was being checked over by South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade (SSVLB).
“The ILB continued with a quick shore line search to see if anyone further was in distress, but with nothing found we were stood down.”
This marks Tynemouth RNLI’s 14th call-out of 2026 so far.
A statement from the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade added the check took place just after 10am.
The full update reads: “The team were tasked along with Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team and Tynemouth RNLI lifeboat to a paddle boarder in difficulty on Sandhaven beach.
“As the first team members arrived he had managed to make it back to shore. After speaking to him we gave safety advice and ensured he required no further assistance we updated our Ops room who were happy to stand us down.”