Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team

02/10/2026

Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team – September update

September was a challenging month which saw our team respond to 21 incidents across the area.

Our call-outs included:

🔹 11 Supporting Northumbria Police
🔹 2 Investigating objects reported in the water
🔹 1 Dog rescue
🔹 1 Person in the water
🔹 2 Boats in distress
🔹 2 Medical/casualty evacuations
🔹 1 Search
🔹 1 incident involving a vehicle.

A huge thank you to all of our team and our neighbouring teams for their continued commitment, professionalism and dedication, and to all of our partner agencies across the emergency services for their support and teamwork throughout every incident.

01/10/2026

We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the tragic event at the River Wear on Tuesday.

Members of Seaham Coastguard and Sunderland Coastguard Team attended the scene, working closely alongside our colleagues at the RNLI, NEAS, GNAAS, Fire Service and Police.

At this deeply difficult time our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, and everyone affected by this tragedy.

05/09/2026

It’s been another busy period for the Sunderland Coastguard team, with 40 incidents attended in August as well as various different training opportunities.

Our callouts included:

🚔 21 incidents supporting Northumbria Police, where they were the lead agency
🌊 6 incidents involving people in the water
⚠️ 3 incidents involving people in difficulty
🚤 2 broken-down vessels attended
🔎 5 searches carried out in support of ongoing incidents
🚗 1 incident involving a vehicle in close proximity to the coast
🌊 1 callout to investigate an object reported in the water
🏖️ 1 incident where we assisted with the evacuation of an injured casualty from a beach location

Every callout brings its own challenges, and our team continues to work closely with our emergency service partners and other Coastguard teams to keep people safe around our coastline.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers for their continued commitment, professionalism and dedication. 👏

If you’re heading to the coast, stay safe, know your limits and always respect the sea. 🌊

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

APPEAL FOR DOG OWNER SOUTH TYNESIDE

UPDATE - The dog is currently at Vets4Pets South Shields

Ourselves, Seaham Coastguard and South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade (SSVLB) have recovered a dog from the base of the cliff near to Souter Lighthouse, she seems fit and well, but we are trying to locate the owner.

If you have any information can you please comment or message the page

02/08/2026

July was an incredibly busy month for Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team, with 55 incidents attended – making it our busiest month on record. 🚨

Throughout the month, we responded to a wide range of incidents, including:

• 👮 Supporting Northumbria Police at incidents across Sunderland and South Tyneside
• 🌊 Responding to reports of people struggling in the water
• 🏄 Assisting people in difficulty on paddle boards and kayaks
• 🌊 Rescuing people cut off by the tide
• 🔍 Searching for missing people
• 🚑 Supporting the North East Ambulance Service to extricate a casualty from a beach
• ⚓ Investigating reports of items in the river and sea, which thankfully turned out to be false alarms with good intent

These 55 incidents were attended alongside our regular weekly training sessions, specialist courses, equipment maintenance and ensuring our vehicles and rescue kit remain ready to respond at a moment’s notice. Keeping operational doesn’t stop when the pager is quiet.

A huge thank you goes to every member of the team for their commitment, professionalism and dedication throughout such a demanding month. Attending 55 incidents in a single month, while continuing to train and maintain the high standards expected of a Coastguard Rescue Team, is a remarkable effort. We’re incredibly proud of every single volunteer who gave up their time to help keep our communities safe.

📞 If you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

31/07/2026

Today is National Lifeguard Appreciation Day, and we want to say a huge thank you to all the lifeguards who keep our beaches safe across Sunderland and South Tyneside and those around the rest of the UK.

Your professionalism, dedication, and commitment to public safety make a real difference every day. Whether you’re preventing incidents, responding to emergencies, providing first aid, or offering advice to beachgoers, your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

From everyone at Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team, thank you for your continued support, teamwork, and the vital role you play in helping keep our coastline safe. We value every bit of your support throughout your season.

Stay safe, and thank you for everything you do. 🌊🚩

RNLI Lifeguards Tyne & Wear
RNLI

28/07/2026

⚠️ Think Before You Jump ⚠️

With the warmer weather, we know many people head to the coast to enjoy the sea. Jumping from piers, rocks and other coastal structures – often called “tombstoning” – might look like fun, but it can have devastating consequences.

Along Sunderland’s coastline, sections of the pier have been damaged and washed into the sea over the years. While some debris has been recovered, we can’t guarantee that everything has been removed. What’s beneath the surface can change with every tide, meaning a spot that looked clear yesterday may hide dangerous hazards today.

The sea doesn’t always reveal what’s below. Hidden debris, submerged rocks, changing depths and strong currents can turn a split-second decision into a life-threatening emergency.

We’re not here to stop people enjoying the coast – we want everyone to get home safely. Before you jump, ask yourself if it’s worth risking serious injury or your life.

By making safe choices, you’re not only protecting yourself but also helping to keep our team and other emergency services from being called to incidents that could have been prevented meaning they’re free to attend life saving emergencies.

🌊 Enjoy the coast. Respect the sea. Think before you jump.

If you see someone in difficulty at the coast:
📞 Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

24/07/2026

💙 Don't become a statistic.

Around 400 people lose their lives to drowning in the UK each year, and it can happen in seconds, often without warning.

⚠️ It's not just the coast that's dangerous. Rivers, lakes, canals and reservoirs can all pose serious risks.

Whether you're:
🥾 Out walking
🏃 Going for a run
🎣 Fishing
🎉 Enjoying time with friends

Take a moment to think about water safety and be aware of the risks around you. Many people survive drowning incidents, but some are left with life-changing injuries.

💧 Enjoy being around water, but always respect it.

If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, remember: Float to Live.

📢 Help us share this potentially life-saving advice and keep your friends, family and community safe.

💙 Join us again tomorrow as we mark World Drowning Prevention Day, when our Water Safety Expert, Tommy, will be sharing practical advice and simple steps everyone can take to stay safe in and around the water.

🚒💙

03/07/2026

Throughout June, Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team responded to 38 incidents across our area.

Our taskings included:
🔹 19 assists to Police
🔹 6 reports of people in the water
🔹 4 people in difficulty
🔹 3 medical/casualty evacuations
🔹 2 suspected items of ordnance
🔹 2 investigation incidents
🔹 1 dog rescue
🔹 1 person cut off by the tide

As well as lots of different team training sessions to keep our skills fresh!

Every callout is different, but each one highlights the importance of being prepared and knowing the risks before heading to the coast.

If you’re planning a visit to the seaside:

🌊 Check the weather and tide times.

📱 Carry a means of calling for help.

🐶 Keep dogs under close control near cliffs and the water.

🚨 In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

A huge thank you to our volunteers and flank teams for their continued commitment as we get into our busier months and to our partner emergency services for their ongoing support and teamwork.

Stay safe and enjoy our coastline responsibly.