INFLATABLES being blown out to sea and people caught by rising tides are two of the main causes of coastal rescues throughout the North, it has been revealed.

RNLI figures for this summer show it has been another busy season for lifeboat crews and lifeguards in the region.

Lifeboats in the charity’s northern division have been launched an average of six times a day, compared to 3.5 times across the whole year.

June, July and August are traditionally the busiest months of the year, and with broken-down boats, inflatables being blown out to sea and people being cut off by the high tide, this year was no different.

Volunteers believe many of the callouts could have been prevented if simple advice issued by the RNLI was followed.

Dave Cocks, of Redcar RNLI, said inflatables and engine failure on vessels were big problems.

He said: “We are happy to go out to every callout, but many could be prevented with a little bit of common sense. People should check the high tide times so they do not get cut off, and swim between the lifeguard flags to help them stay out of difficulty. Despite our unpredictable weather, more people are using the sea for leisure. The UK holiday is becoming more popular and this is keeping us busy.”

Lifeboats in the North were launched 548 times during the three-month period, while the charity’s lifeguards responded to 937 incidents on some of the region’s most popular beaches.

Sunderland and Hartlepool beaches were among the busiest lifeboat stations, with more than 70 callouts between them.

Andy Clift, an RNLI inspector for the region, said: “Once again, the RNLI’s lifeboat crews and lifeguards have been kept busy at a time when most people are relaxing and taking holidays.

“Even though the weather this summer was not particularly good and the beaches seemed a little quieter than normal, our lifeboat volunteers still had to deal with a greatly increased demand for their services.

“I am very grateful to all our volunteer crews who are willing to leave their families or their day jobs at a moment’s notice to go out and help someone in trouble at sea.”

For safety tips visit rnli.org.uk