Seaham Coastguard

01/09/2026

August Update:

Another busy month for Seaham Coastguard attending 22 incidents bringing us up to 150 for the year to date (nearly 40 more than this time last year!!)

The team has responded 24/7 to a range of jobs that have included:

6 x Persons in difficulty in the water
2 x Assistance to vessels in distress
7 x Mental health incidents
2 x Persons stuck on rocks
2 x Medical incident
2 x Missing Person Searches
1 x Investigation of floating object

Alongside incidents the team have also kept their skills sharp with weekly training and taken part in a joint exercise with the North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

August also saw some members of the team travel to Carlisle to take part in a familiarisation session with Coastguard Rescue Helicopter 897

Big thanks as always to our flank teams Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team & Hartlepool Coastguard Rescue Team as well as the RNLI and our local stations RNLI - Sunderland Lifeboat Station & Hartlepool RNLI who also attend the majority of jobs alongside the Coastguard Teams, and of course all our other partner agencies across the region.

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

Water Rescue | Lost & Missing Person Search | Rope Rescue | Casualty Care | Flood Response | Incident Co-ordination

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

Keep your distance from cliff edges ⚠️

Cliffs can be unstable, and a sudden slip or unexpected gust of wind can quickly put you in danger.

• Stay well back from cliff edges ⛰️
• Never try to climb up 🧗
• Keep your dog on a lead 🐶
• Enjoy the view from a safe distance 🌊

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

22/08/2026

Seaham Coastguard together with the wider Coastguard community, sends our deepest sympathies to everyone affected by the tragic incident on the A66 in the early hours of this morning.

Our thoughts are with the families, friends and colleagues of police officers who have died.

This was a devastating incident that will be felt across our communities and by all those involved in the emergency response.
🖤💙

14/08/2026

Over the last few days we have responded to several instances of people getting into difficulty in the water at Seaham Harbour.

We know that the warm weather can make taking a dip in the water look tempting, but please remember that it can be dangerous.

Cold water shock, strong currents and unseen hazards can quickly turn a relaxing swim into a critical emergency, particularly after drinking alcohol.

Stay safe, look out for each other, and supervise children closely.
In an emergency, call 999.

31/07/2026

RECORD MONTH - July has seen the busiest month on record for Seaham Coastguard. The Volunteer team has been tasked to 34 (to date) incidents through the month.

The team has responded 24/7 to a range of jobs that have included:

6 x Persons in difficulty in the water
4 x Persons cut off by the tide
3 x Assistance to vessels in distress
14 x Mental health incidents
3 x Persons stuck on rocks
2 x Fallen from height
1 x Medical incident
1 x Missing Person

Massive thanks to our team of 10 Coastguard Rescue Officers who attend these incidents by leaving work, families & friends and the comfort of their bed at all hours to help those in need along our coastline.

A special mention as well to our flank teams Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team and Hartlepool Coastguard Rescue Team who have also had record levels of incidents in July.

As always our thanks go out to the RNLI and all our other partner agencies across the region.

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

(all photos taken during training & social sessions)

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.

18/07/2026

Taking a dip in the sea?

Give your body time to adjust and go in slowly.

Cold water shock can happen at any time of year and can affect anyone, even strong swimmers 🥶

In an emergency at the coast,

‼️call 999 and ask for the Coastguard‼️

14/07/2026

The beach is a great place to be, but it can also have many hidden dangers

This weekend ended in a tragedy with 2 people losing their lives at Seaton Carew.

What started off as a a normal sunny, warm and fun day at the beach which turned into a life changing event.

3 young people entered the water at Seaton Carew and got into trouble. 3 adults entered the water to help them. The 3 young people were saved but very sadly 2 of the adults had to be rescued by emergency services and lost their lives.

Our thoughts are with the families in this very difficult time and also our colleagues from Hartlepool Coastguard Rescue Team, the RNLI, Ambulance and other emergency services who attended this incident.

It highlights the importance of water safety with the summer holidays just around the corner.

Find out more about beach safety via the links below

https://hmcoastguard.uk/on-the-beach
https://rnli.org/water-safety/beach-safety
https://hmcoastguard.uk/safety-resources

In any coastal emergency contact 999 and ask for Coastguard.

On Call 24/7/365

🚨9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣🚨 COASTGUARD