Crew from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) rescued 18 kayakers caught in a sudden storm off the coast of North Tyneside.

The volunteer lifeboat team was alerted by the HM Coastguard on Tuesday, June 24, after reports that more than 30 holidaymakers were trapped in rough seas while paddleboarding and kayaking.

Of the 32 individuals, 18 were rescued by the RNLI team, including 13 children and five adults, amid strong winds and choppy waves at Cullercoats Bay.

The remaining 14 managed to reach the shore just before the lifeboats arrived. No injuries were reported.

Footage shows the intense rescue operation as emergency responders assisted the stranded individuals one by one.

Senior lifeguard Alfie Meeson said: 'It escalated so fast, showing how deadly the beach can turn.'

Lifeguard George Legg added: 'Force five winds made it a brutal scene with waves crashing everywhere.'

Authorities issued a stark warning to beachgoers, urging them to choose lifeguarded beaches and follow the 'Float to Live' campaign to survive emergencies.

The RNLI saves lives at sea through its 24-hour search and rescue services around the UK and Ireland. With 238 lifeboat stations and over 240 lifeguard units across the UK and the Channel Islands, its volunteers are dedicated to maritime safety.