A coastal rescue team has had its busiest year on record - clocking 150 callouts in 2021.
The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB), which responds to emergency incidents in North Tyneside, last had its busiest year in 2008, when lifesavers attended 147 calls.
However, that number was surpassed in 2021 and the team attended its 150th call with just 11 minutes of the year remaining. The volunteers were then tasked to their first call of 2022 at 3.39am.
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The type of incidents last year ranged from people in difficulty along the coastline, including swimmers, surfers, kayakers and other beachgoers, to those with mental health difficulties.
Nearly half of the callouts were to help people in distress, when the TVLB worked alongside the police, RNLI volunteers, paramedics, firefighters, air ambulance and other agencies to provide support.
Peter Lilley, TVLB captain and secretary, said there were a number of reasons for the increase in calls, including the rise in visitors to the coast after Covid rules relaxed and more people taking part in water activities.
He added: "A number of rescue teams have seen an increase in calls in the last year and so did we. It has been a busy year.
"There were a mix of incidents, from those related to leisure activities to helping people in distress. Just under half of our calls were to help people in distress."
He also highlighted the dedication of the 16 TVLB volunteers who attended incidents in challenging times during the pandemic.
"It is important to acknowledge the incredible commitment of our volunteers who continue to answer the call whenever it may be received," said Captain Lilley.
"We had 58 calls during weekends and over 25% of incidents have taken place between 9pm and 7am.
"As well as being challenging for our members, this places an additional burden on their domestic and social lives.
"Our team of 16 have given up huge amounts of time and effort to attend incidents, training and fundraising events.
"We’re extremely grateful for the support of family, friends, employers and the wider community in helping our team members provide our rescue service."
In December, section leader James Strain attended his 100th call of the year, joining Captain Lilley and rescue team members Lewis Bartoli and Harry Harrison, who also passed the 100 mark during 2021.
During the Christmas period, the team ran a rota where between six and 10 volunteers made themselves available each night, allowing the rest of the team to be off call if they wished to.
The brigade, based at the Watch House in Tynemouth, is funded entirely by donations. The volunteers are trained in lifesaving practices and rescue techniques, and carry water and rope rescue equipment.
More information on how to support the charity is available here.
