A FAMILY had to be rescued by lifeguards after they got into difficulties at Sandsend at the weekend The incident happened at 5.45pm on Saturday when RNLI lifeguard Santiago Cattoni was patrolling the red and yellow flagged zone and spotted a female bodyboarder who was struggling in the water. Fellow lifeguards Sam Broadley and Mia Hall were also called to the scene.

Santiago paddled out to the woman and discovered that her husband was also in danger. Using his rescue board, he managed to guide the couple to safety and they were able to walk back to the shore.

Fellow lifeguard Mia found that the couple’s daughter was now in difficulty and was being dragged under the waves. Mia rescued her using a rescue tube.

The family, who had all been enjoying a day’s bodyboarding, thanked the charity’s lifeguards for their swift response and advice.

RNLI lifeguard supervisor James Turner, said: "I’m very proud of the lifeguard team for their swift actions and for remaining vigilant and professional during a multiple rescue."