Swimmer Rescued from Distress at King Edward’s Bay in Cullercoats

Emergency services were called to King Edward’s Bay in Cullercoats on Sunday morning after receiving ten ‘999’ calls reporting a swimmer in distress. The HM Coastguard promptly dispatched boats to the scene. Fortunately, a lifeboat that was already in the area for a training exercise quickly arrived and carried out the rescue operation. The lifeboat managed to recover the struggling swimmer just as he was starting to go under the water. Additionally, they also rescued a member of the public who had tried to assist the casualty but couldn’t bring him back to shore. The swimmer was conscious but showed signs of hypothermia and had ingested a significant amount of water. The casualty and the Good Samaritan were both attended to by RNLI and Brigade members upon their return to Cullercoats. The injured swimmer was then transported to the hospital by an ambulance crew for further assessment and checks. Fortunately, the person who attempted the rescue didn’t require medical attention and left the scene. Once the rescue resources concluded their operations, they were stood down. It is essential for swimmers to be aware of the dangers of cold water and hypothermia, especially during the winter months. Always exercise caution and, if in doubt, consult with lifeguards or coastguard services before entering the water to ensure a safe experience.