Saltburn lifeguards praised for surfer rescue

Teesside lifeguards are being praised for their mass rescue of 6 surfers, who got into difficulty in the North sea.

The lifeguard team spotted a large group of people on surfboards on Wednesday afternoon who had been swept out to sea at Saltburn.

The RNLI lifeguards immediately closed the red and yellow flagged zone because of the strong winds and asked Humber Coastguard for assistance as there were around six people struggling in the water.

Senior lifeguard Ailsa Legg and "newbie" Matthew Sayer grabbed the rescue boards,

Ailsa helped two of the surfers onto her rescue board while towing one behind her withe rescue tube, and Matthew helped two further casualties onto his rescue baord while the remaining surfer paddled alongside the rescuers

They were returned to the shore where they were given advice and none of the six sustained any injuries.

One of the rescued surfers, Shana, praised the teams efforts:

"Me and my family went out on surfboards yesterday, and while having fun we failed to realise how far the tide had taken us.

"We decided to try and make our way back to the beach and quickly realised we were out of our depth

"Two lifeguards appeared from seemingly nowhere and they were so calm and friendly, which ensured the children didnb't panic

"They pulled us all back to shore. I am so grateful for their vigilance and their help. Matty and Ailsa you were fantasticand we are forever grateful."

READ MORE: Do You Know The Dangers of Drinking Near Open Water #GetWaterWise

Lead lifeguard supervisor Ryan Jennings praised Shana and her family for visiting a lifeguard beach;

"It was great that the surfers chose to swim at a lifeguarded beach between the red and yellow flags

"As soon as they came into any trouble our lifeguard team was immediately there to help

"If you decide to visit a beach this summer please choose a beach with lifeguards and swim between the red and yellow flags."

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