The rescue of a swimmer and two earned the helmsman and crew of lifeguards who had gone to his aid has Sunderland's D class lifeboat and two shore helpers a letter of thanks from the RNLI's chief of operations.The incident began at 1301 on 14 July 1990 when the Coastguard informed the honorary secretary that a swimmer was in difficulties three-quarters of a mile north of the station, off the Cat and Dog Steps.

The lifeboat immediately launched in a strong SSE breeze and rough seas, arriving on the scene at 1306 to find a lifeguard who had swam after the swimmer. Crew member Ian Brown went into the water to support the man while the lifeboat moved on to the swimmer, who had been seen close by. Crew member John Walls entered the water to help the exhausted swimmer into the lifeboat, which then returned to collect crew member Brown and the lifeguard. An ambulance was requested as both casualties were suffering from exposure.

As the lifeboat was returning to station theCoastguard reported a third person in the water, but kept losing sight of him. The lifeboat immediately went to the area and sighted another lifeguard almost completelysubmerged in heavy surf.

Crew member Walls again entered the water to help this man, who was showing little sign of life, into the lifeboat. Resuscitation commenced and helmsman William Young made best possible speed to the beach.

Shore helpers Gerard McGill and Martin Cox ran to meet the lifeboat and lifted the unconscious lifeguard on to the beach. He was not breathing and no pulse was evident but Mr McGill and Mr Cox, assisted by two beach helpers, continued resuscitation and heart massage until the ambulance arrived, by which time a weak pulse was detected.

All three casualties were taken to hospital and the lifeboat returned to station at 1415..