Northumberland surf instructors save family caught in rip-tide

There are fresh calls for people to stay safe and sensible around the North East's water-ways this Bank Holiday weekend.

As part of our #GetWaterWise campaign, to stop people dying in the water this summer, we've been hearing from Jasmine Spokes and Matty Dunn - the owners of Seaton Sluice Surf School.

The pair were teaching a surf lesson on the beach when they noticed a a mum and 2 children in trouble in the water, who had been caught by a rip-tide.

Jasmine tells us they were able to make their way out to the family, who had lost their body-boards, and bring them safely back to the shore.

But, Matty explains, they had to stop another member of the family, a man on the beach, from going into the water to try and help - as he could have ended up in trouble as well;

"The dad was just about to get in, to swim out and try and save them himself."

Jasmine continues - explaining why it could be just as dangerous for him:

"He didn't have a wetsuit on or anything,

"He was about to go straight into the rip which wouldn't have been great, so it was good Matty told him to stay on the beach."

She tells us trying to go into the water and save someone else can be very dangerous - and you can often end up in trouble yourself.

Their advice is to wait on the shore, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you're on the beach.

The other issue Jasmine highlights, is the temperature of the waters along the North East's coast - which is the North Sea.

"Cold water shock is a really big risk if you dive in really quickly and you haven't got a wetsuit on, especially if you're not used to it and you haven't done any cold water training.

"The chances of getting cold water shock are quite high, and if you don't know how to calm your breathing back down you're putting yourself in a really high risk situation"

Jasmine tells us they would advise only swimming at beaches with lifeguards or lifeboats in place - you can find your nearest one via the RNLI, and if that's not possible, ask instructors at nearby Surf or Paddleboarding schools for advice.

For more information on Seaton Sluice Surf - you can visit their website.

And for more safety information, visit the RNLI website, or find more information on our Get Water Wise Campaign.

READ MORE: #GetWaterWise Scottish Fire and Rescue service warn about the dangers of inflatables in the water

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