Newbiggin Coastguard Rescue Team

04/04/2026

In a coastal emergency, minutes matter. Could you tell someone exactly where you are if you or a loved one needed help?

When you call 999 and ask for the Coastguard, one of the first questions you’ll be asked is: “where are you?”. The moment you provide this information; the teams will dispatch the most appropriate responders. We have world-class systems to help us, but valuable time can be saved if you can give some location details.

There are very simple ways, as well as more advanced options, to help you stay safe and know your location.

• Before you leave: Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

• Safety signs and location: Look for local safety signs depicting beach names and location references. Take a picture of local landmarks such as car park names and buildings.

• Location apps: Know how to use your location apps. Many smartphones now have a Global Positioning System (GPS) installed which pinpoints geographical locations.

• Mobile phone: Make sure your mobile is fully charged, ideally in a waterproof case. It’s also worth taking a power pack so you can recharge your phone, especially if your activities involve heavy battery use.

If you can tell us exactly where you are, rescuers can be sent more quickly. It could save a life.

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

05/01/2026

Take extra care when visiting the coast in the next few days. Snow and ice will make paths and cliffs slippery, making it difficult to get a steady footing.

⚠️Check the latest weather warnings

🥾Wear appropriate clothing and footwear

🏞️Stay back from cliff edges

🚶‍♂️Stick to the signposted coastal paths

In an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

03/01/2026

Please be cautious if visiting our coast this week.

The winter weather we have experienced today, has caused access paths, coastal car parks and cliff tops to be exceptionally slippery with large amounts of snow and ice present.

Higher than normal tides and large breaking waves is also causing an added danger of being accidentally washed off the beach or promenades.

✅ Check the weather
✅ Check the tide
✅ Keep dogs on leads
✅ Stay Back
✅ Stay Safe

🚨For all coastal emergencies CALL 999 and ASK for the COASTGUARD 🚨

01/01/2026

We’re reminding people to stay well away from the edges and bases of cliffs.

Cliffs are unstable and rock falls and landslides can happen at any moment without warning. Stay back and do not try to take a selfie or wander close to the cliff edges.

If someone is in trouble on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! 🎇🎆

We are wishing everyone health and happiness in 2026 💙

Remember, HM Coastguard are always on call and ready to assist you when in distress. If you ever get into an emergency at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

31/12/2025

As we look back on the year, we want to say a huge thank you to our community and followers for your continued support.

This year we’ve attended 100 call outs, with incidents ranging from water rescues, searches, cliff work and emergency casualty care. We’ve also had the pleasure of working closely with our flanking Coastguard teams up and down the coast, alongside the RNLI and other emergency services, highlighting the importance of teamwork in everything we do.

Beyond call outs, we’ve been out to local swim groups providing safety advice and carried out local knowledge patrols.

Our team trains every Tuesday, and this year we’ve undertaken a range of specialist training, including casualty care, flood response and off-road driving, to name just a few.

We were also proud to welcome four new team members to the unit this year: Ross, Ashleigh, Callum and Jaison.

Whatever the weather, whatever the call, we’re always there to help.

If you ever need us in an emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Wishing everyone a safe, happy and healthy New Year!

31/12/2025

⚠️ New Year’s Day Sea Dip – Safety Advice ⚠️

As we approach New Year’s Day, please be aware that conditions this year are expected to be challenging. Forecasts indicate cold water temperatures, strong winds and a significant swell, which can make the sea unpredictable and potentially dangerous — even for confident swimmers.

If you are planning to take part in a New Year’s dip, please consider the following:

🔹 Cold water shock is a serious risk – sudden immersion can cause an involuntary gasp and loss of breathing control.
🔹 Strong swell and surf can knock people off their feet and make getting out of the water difficult.
🔹 Do not swim alone and ensure someone responsible remains on shore.
🔹 Keep it very brief – a quick in-and-out dip only.
🔹 Wear suitable protection (wetsuit, boots, gloves if possible).
🔹 Have warm clothing and hot drinks ready immediately after exiting.
🔹 Choose an area with a safe, easy exit and avoid rocky or exposed sections of coastline.

We strongly urge anyone considering a dip to carefully assess the conditions on the day and be prepared to cancel plans if the sea state is unsafe.

If in doubt – don’t go out. No celebration is worth risking your life.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year from all at Newbiggin Coastguard 🚤✨

26/12/2025

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas from all at Newbiggin Coastguard Rescue Team.

Our team will be on call over the Christmas and we’d like to thank them and their families who support them going out at the sound of a pager and at all hours of the day.

🎄 🚨 🌊

11/12/2025

Coastguard rescue teams are ready to respond to coastal incidents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

If there is an emergency at the coast over Christmas, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard 🎄

24/11/2025

17/11/2025

Well we’ve been overwhelmed with the response to our area recruitment drive! A big thank you to everyone who’s interacted with the posts so far!

A reminder that we’re currently recruiting at

Seaham
Hartlepool
Redcar
Eyemouth
Holy island
Seahouses
Blyth
Amble
Newbiggin
Howick

Applications are being received up until the 1st December. If you’re interested but have some questions about exactly what the role involves then here are some FAQ’s to help you decide whether it’s for you or not.

Q: Do I need previous experience or qualifications?
A: No — full training is provided. We’re looking for people with commitment to helping the community and teamwork skills.

Q: Is this a full-time job?
A: No — it’s a voluntary role. The majority of our team have regular jobs and respond to incidents when available to do so.

Q: How much time do I need to commit?
A: You’ll need to attend regular training sessions (usually once a week as well as maintaining your competencies with other courses which you’ll be notified of well in advance) and respond to callouts when you can. You’ll also complete initial training when you first join to become operationally competent.

Q: What kind of person are you looking for?
A: Reliable, calm under pressure, willing to learn, adaptable and approachable.

Q: What’s the reward?
A: Knowing you’ve helped save lives at sea and made a difference in your local community. You’ll also be part of a supportive, professional team. You will be able to claim a small amount for your time and mileage when attending incidents.

If this sounds like you, click the link below to submit your application.

https://submit.forms.service.gov.uk/form/89/apply-to-be-a-volunteer-coastguard-rescue-officer/220