A 13-year-old schoolgirl has tragically died four days after being rescued from the sea near popular Whitley Bay beach in North Tyneside.
Edie Smart, from the Monkseaton area, was pulled from the water just before 5pm on Thursday 24 July after emergency services received reports of concern for a teenager in difficulty. Despite the efforts of medical staff at hospital, she passed away on Monday 28 July.
The teenager’s death has sent shockwaves through the coastal community, with Northumbria Police confirming that Edie’s family are being supported by specially trained officers during this devastating time.
Major Rescue Operation
Emergency services scrambled to the scene near the popular seaside destination after receiving a 999 call at approximately 4:40pm on Thursday. The incident occurred at the south end of Whitley Bay beach, close to the iconic Spanish City dome.
A significant multi-agency rescue operation was immediately launched, involving Northumbria Police, North East Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard, and Tynemouth RNLI. The Great North Air Ambulance Service was also deployed to the scene, landing on the beach to provide critical care.
Witnesses reported seeing rescue teams working desperately to help the teenager, who was successfully brought back to shore where she received immediate medical attention. The dramatic rescue effort lasted several hours, with a police cordon established on the promenade near the Spanish City car park.
Edie was airlifted to hospital by the Great North Air Ambulance in a critical condition. Medical staff fought to save her life over the following four days, but she tragically succumbed to her injuries on Monday afternoon.
Community in Mourning
Detective Chief Inspector Emma Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident, and our deepest condolences go to Edie’s family and friends. Our specially trained officers will continue to provide them with the support they need at this time.”
“We ask that their privacy be respected as they begin to come to terms with the loss of their loved one,” DCI Smith added.
The tragedy has deeply affected the tight-knit North Tyneside community, where Whitley Bay beach is a popular destination for families, particularly during the summer holidays. The beach, which stretches from Whitley Bay North towards St Mary’s Lighthouse, is known for its expansive sandy shores and rock pools.
Beach Safety Concerns
Whitley Bay beach is normally considered one of the safer beaches in the region, with RNLI lifeguards on duty during peak season. The southern end of the beach holds both a Blue Flag and Quality Coast Award, recognising its water quality and facilities.
The RNLI provides lifeguard cover at Whitley Bay beach during the summer months, typically from May through September. Lifeguards patrol designated swimming areas marked by red and yellow flags, where beachgoers are advised to stay for their safety.
Despite these safety measures, the North Sea can present dangerous conditions, particularly with strong currents and cold water temperatures even in summer. Water safety experts regularly remind visitors about the importance of swimming only in lifeguarded areas and never swimming alone.
Resort’s Transformation
Whitley Bay, located approximately 10 miles northeast of Newcastle upon Tyne, has undergone significant regeneration in recent years. The town’s population of around 38,000 residents swells considerably during summer months as tourists flock to its beaches and attractions.
The Spanish City, near where Thursday’s incident occurred, was reopened in 2018 following extensive redevelopment. The iconic dome, completed in 1912, had been home to a theme park until 2000 before falling into disrepair. Its restoration formed the centrepiece of North Tyneside Council’s regeneration plans for the area.
Other recent improvements include a skatepark in the Panama Dip, refurbished swimming facilities, and enhanced beachfront amenities. The town’s beaches remain a major draw for visitors from across the North East and beyond.
Rising Water Safety Concerns
This latest tragedy comes amid growing concerns about water safety around the UK’s coastlines. The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and other water safety organisations have been campaigning to raise awareness about the dangers of open water swimming, particularly among young people.
Cold water shock, strong currents, and changing tides can all pose significant risks, even to confident swimmers. The RNLI advises beachgoers to always swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and to stay between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards patrol.
Emergency services continue to stress the importance of water safety education, particularly during school holidays when more young people visit beaches. They advise anyone who sees someone in difficulty in the water not to attempt a rescue themselves but to immediately call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
Investigation Ongoing
Whilst police have confirmed the tragic outcome, the exact circumstances surrounding how Edie got into difficulty remain under investigation. Northumbria Police are likely to prepare a report for the coroner as part of standard procedures following such incidents.
The force has not released any further details about the circumstances leading up to the tragedy, focusing instead on supporting Edie’s grieving family through this unimaginable loss.
As the community comes to terms with this heartbreaking incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that the sea can pose, even at popular and well-monitored beaches. Local authorities and safety organisations will undoubtedly review this incident to determine if any additional safety measures could help prevent future tragedies.
For now, the thoughts of the entire North Tyneside community remain with Edie Smart’s family and friends as they navigate through their profound grief at the loss of a young life with so much promise ahead.
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