Four people were rescued after they became cut off by the rising tide.
Two adults and two children called for help shortly after 3pm on Tuesday when they realised the tide had cut them off.
They were stranded at Camel Island, at the north end of Marsden Bay, South Shields.
UK Coastguard's Humber Operations requested the launch of Tynemouth RNLI's inshore lifeboat to go and rescue the four people, and the station's all weather lifeboat was also launched to support the smaller lifeboat.
Arriving at Camel Island just eight minutes after launching, the inshore lifeboat's three volunteers quickly located them and helped them into the lifeboat.
The volunteers then took them the short distance to safety on the nearby beach.
They were met by members of the South Shields Volunteer Life Brigade who had also been tasked by UK Coastguard to assist on shore.
Fortunately, the four people required no medical attention and were able to leave after being rescued.
Adrian Don, from Tynemouth RNLI, said: "The four people had been cut off by the tide and although in no immediate danger, if the sea conditions had become rough it could have resulted in them being washed off the small island.
"The RNLI strongly urges anyone visiting the coast to check tide times before they go, they can be easily found online, and also take a look at rnli.org/safety/beach-safety for advice and tips to help people have fun and stay safe."
