Plea to beware of tides after six children spark coastal alert on Northumberland coast

Coastguard Rescue Teams from Seahouses and Howick were joined by Seahouses Lifeboat Station’s inshore lifeboat after the alarm was raised just after 7pm yesterday, Saturday, July 11.

The report said that the group of children had become cut off by the tide at Budle Bay, north of Bamburgh, with the youngsters able to reach land before the teams arrived.

A spokesperson for the Coastguard officers based at Seahouses said: “Upon reaching the location of the incident, it was made clear that all the children had managed to safely reach shore and had dispersed.

"Once it was established there was nobody else in the water the teams were stood down and returned to station to wash down and check all PPE, vehicle and equipment to make ready again for immediate use.

“While we want holidaymakers to enjoy our coastline, we also want you to remember that there are unseen dangers when entering the water, such as strong currents, rip tides, hidden mud and rocks and fast incoming and outgoing tides.

"Also, the North Sea is colder than it looks and cold water shock can set in immediately, so please be aware of these risks and plan your leisure time accordingly.

“If you see someone in trouble on the coast or at sea, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

A colleague from the Howick team added: “With the coast getting busier with visitors to the area can we remind you to always check tide times carefully.

"The tides in this area can come in very fast and can also come in behind you leaving you cut off from the mainland and in serious danger.

"Please be careful on the coast.”

A spokesperson for the RNLI volunteers said: “The Inshore Lifeboat was quickly launched, and began making best speed to the incident when the Coastguard received further information that the children had managed to reach the shore safely and unaided.

"There have now been a number of similar incidents at Budle Bay over the last two years, and the RNLI urge visitors to the area to be aware of how quickly the tide comes into areas like Budle Bay and Holy Island, and to take care on large sandy bay areas, and avoid the risk of becoming stranded.

"In particular, children should be carefully supervised when visiting these areas.”

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