Sunderland Coastguard called to help child in River Wear

The rescue team was called to help a girl in the water under the Wearmouth Bridge at around 4.12pm today, sending the Sunderland lifeboat and Port of Sunderland patrol vessel to the scene.

On arrival they found that the girl had managed to get herself ashore.

The team checked her over and issued safety advice on the dangers of swimming in the river.

A spokesman for the Sunderland Coastguard Rescue Team said: "We were tasked to a child in the river under the Wearmouth Bridge.

"On arrival with Sunderland lifeboat and Port of Sunderland patrol vessel the child had self-recovered to land.

"The child was checked over and issued safety advice on the dangers of swimming in the river."

Later that day at around 6.09pm the team was called to Hendon to reports that two people were struggling on an inflatable dinghy.

On arrival they found that the pair had managed to get themselves ashore.

A spokesman for the team said: "Just as we got back home from the previous incident we were tasked to Hendon after two people were getting washed out on an inflatable dinghy.

"Just as the lifeboat arrived they had managed to make it ashore after a lot of effort.

"Safety advice was issued over the use of inflatables at sea.

"Remember to dial 999 in all coastal emergencies and ask for the coastguard."