Sheringham Coastguard Rescue Team

23/05/2026

Taking a dip in the sea on a hot day? ⛱️

Don’t be fooled, just because it’s sunny doesn’t mean the water is warm.

Entering cold water, whether deliberately or accidentally, can cause cold water shock.

When this happens, you may gasp involuntarily, followed by rapid breathing that can be very difficult to control. This can increase the risk of inhaling water and drowning.

Never jump straight in. Instead, enter the water slowly to help your body adjust, and avoid swimming alone. Wearing a wetsuit can also help by improving buoyancy and reducing the effects of cold water.

Don’t forget to have warm clothes ready for when you come back to shore.

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

12/05/2026

After a substantial period of training and an intense “hands on” weekend of instruction, fine tuning and assessment - we are delighted to confirm that two of our newer Coastguard Rescue Officers (CROs) have now progressed and passed out as Operators. Well done to Si and to Emma. Also congratulations to Allison who was re-validated.
We hope you all choose to stay safe around our North Norfolk cliffs, but if you need help - DIAL 999 AND ASK FOR THE COASTGUARD

25/04/2026

An increase in seals along England’s east coast has led to a surge in calls to HM Coastguard 🌊🦭

With this beautiful weather continuing, it’s quite likely you’ll spot seals relaxing on our beaches. While it’s lovely to see, many people are calling the Coastguard thinking the seals are injured when in most cases, they’re simply resting.

Michael Niblett from HM Coastguard said:
“If you do see an injured seal, please contact BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue). We’ve had a high number of calls recently about seals that turned out to be perfectly fine. Seals often come ashore to rest, and approaching them can actually cause them stress or even lead to aggressive behaviour.”

“Please think carefully before calling 999 for the Coastguard about a seal that appears healthy. It can take valuable time away from genuine emergencies.”

Of course, if you ever see someone in danger at the coast or you’re in trouble yourself call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

(Photo credit: Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust)

11/04/2026

01/03/2026

24/02/2026

Lifesaving rescue awarded with Chief Coastguard Commendation

A top award has been presented to a Coastguard Rescue Officer (CRO) whose bravery, skill and support of his team helped save the life of a swimmer during rough weather off the coast of Norfolk. A Chief Coastguard Commendation was given to Sheringham CRO Gareth Davies, and Letters of Appreciation to fellow CROs, for their efforts to bring to safety a woman trapped on rocks as waves and 50mph winds pounded the shore at Sheringham.

The accolade, one of the highest available within HM Coastguard, was given to Gareth by Assistant Chief Coastguard John Craig at a special ceremony attended by CROs from both teams on Monday 23 February.

Letters of Appreciation also went to Sheringham CROs Allison Marriott, Steve Price, Emma Wright and Caroline Clark; and Cromer CROs Nathan Jonas, Jackie James, Harriet Barnard, Steve Lane, Will Witham and Jim Lilley.

The incident began with a 999 call to HM Coastguard at around 9.35am on 16 September 2025 reporting a group of swimmers trapped against a rock groyne. Officers at Humber Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) quickly sent Sheringham and Cromer CRTs and Mundesley Volunteer Inshore Lifeboat to the scene. Three of the swimmers managed to bring themselves to safety but a fourth remained stuck in a perilous position, buffeted by the conditions against the rocks. With the lifeboat still on its way, the decision was made to carry out a team tethered rescue – sending CRO Gareth out to recover the swimmer, securely attached to a line held by his teammates on shore. Their dedicated training kicked in as Gareth was able to make his way out to the stranded woman and, safely roped to the CROs on dry land, assist her away from the heaving sea and back to safety.

Once on shore, the woman was treated for serious lacerations to her arms and legs, and hypothermia, before being handed into the care of East of England Ambulance Service.

Assistant Chief Coastguard John Craig said: “The casualty had been pushed up against rock armour by wind and tide and desperately needed the timely intervention of Coastguard Rescue Officers. The extrication of the casualty in difficult conditions, medical care afterwards, and management of the scene were in the very best traditions of HM Coastguard’s expertise and dedication. There can be no doubt that the teamwork involved on that morning led to the saving of a life.”

31/12/2025

As 2025 draws to a close we would like to wish everyone a happy new year.

Our first incident of 2025 was on January 1st when we were tasked with our colleagues from Cromer Coastguard Rescue Team and HM Coastguard Bacton to a technical rescue on the cliffs to the east of Cromer. Following this incident, the year has proved to be our busiest ever, with the team attending nearly one hundred incidents and our team of volunteers spending almost 700 hours assisting those in need on the coast.

The year has seen challenging technical rescues on the cliffs and from the sea. One third of the incidents we have attended have been to provide medical assistance, often to casualties in challenging locations.

A big thank you to our volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers who drop everything at a moment's notice when they are called upon.

We wish you all a happy, healthy and safe 2026, and please remember - in an emergency on the coast, cliffs, or at sea dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

04/11/2025

We’ve been busy this week; putting up signs along the coastline so people know how to react in the case of any issues needing support.
We’re aware that when incidents occur, individuals sometimes need reminding of what to do.
IN AN EMERGENCY, DIAL 999 AND ASK FOR THE COASTGUARD.
(Thanks to the wonderful East Beach Cafe for permission).

16/09/2025

Our Team, together with Cromer Coastguard Rescue Team, attended Sheringham seafront today to rescue 3 casualties from the sea and rock armour.
The wind, tide and waves had got substantially worse in a short period of time which led to the incident and emergency services call-out.
Be safe out there folks, take care and assess the risk before going in the water and when you’re in.
Great teamwork from HMCG and the ambulance service and all is well on this occasion.

16/04/2025

UPDATE TO NURDLE POLLUTION REPORTING

Members of the public are advised that for future reporting of nurdles for the Lincolnshire and Norfolk coast should be reported using the online reporting tool, below.

Reports are received by cleanup teams from the local authorities and actioned accordingly. We would like to pass on our thanks to all members of the public who have taken the time over the last few weeks to report nurdles which have assisted in the cleanup operation.
https://www.north-norfolk.gov.uk/plastic-nurdles