Teenagers helped to safety after dinghy gets into difficulty on River Tyne

A rescue team has said teenagers were "oblivious to the potential danger" they could have been in after their boat had to be helped back to shore on the River Tyne.
The South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade were called to Hebburn Marina last night. Image copyright Google Maps.The South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade were called to Hebburn Marina last night. Image copyright Google Maps.
The South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade were called to Hebburn Marina last night. Image copyright Google Maps.

South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade (SSVLB) was called out to Hebburn Marina at 7pm yesterday after receiving a report of teenagers in difficulty as they tried to get back into their dinghy on the river.

It has led the charity to issue a warning over the importance of wearing safety gear, as the youngsters had not been equipped for their outing on the water.

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A spokesman for the team said: "On arrival the teenagers were located in their dingy paddling close to the marina.

"Tynemouth Lifeboat was also tasked to this incident and arrived at the same time to check the welfare of the youths.

"The lifeboat towed them to the slipway where they were assisted by team members and given safety advice.

"We noted that no safety equipment was carried or worn and this could have resulted in a much more serious incident, as the teenagers were oblivious to the potential danger they could have put themselves into."

The team added people should remember to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard in cases of coastal emergencies.