RNLI issues warning after four people cut off by incoming tide at Budle Bay in Northumberland

Coastguard and lifeboat teams were called out after the quartet found themselves stranded at Budle Bay, near Bamburgh, on Thursday afternoon.

UK Coastguard requested the launch of Seahouses inshore lifeboat at 2.47pm, with Coastguard officers from Howick and Seahouses also deployed to the scene.

High water at Seahouses was at 5.32pm.

On arrival, it was reported that all four people had safely come ashore and the lifeboat was stood down.

Seahouses RNLI helmsman Tim Stienlet said: “We really urge visitors to be aware of the speed of incoming tides when walking across sandy bays such as Budle Bay.

"The fast rising tide can swiftly encircle and cut off the unwary. Fortunately today, all got safely ashore.”

Howick Coastguard Rescue Team posted on social media: “Two independent witnesses had spotted the group of four in difficulty and called the Coastguard. They then monitored them and saw that they had managed to wade their way back to shore through the rising tide. The teams made contact with the four on the beach and confirmed they were all OK. Suitable safety advice was given.

“Budle Bay is one of our regular spots for calls to people cut off by the tide. At low water the entrance to the bay becomes exposed with many people choosing to walk across it to Ross Sands.

"However the tide comes in very fast in this area and it is very easy for the water to encircle anyone crossing leaving them cut off from the land. Please check tide times before attempting to cross. These four people made it back safely, the next ones may not be so lucky.”