Tynemouth surfer fronts RNLI Float to Live campaign

A surfer who used a floating technique to survive after he and his brother got caught in a rip current is fronting a national safety campaign in the hope of saving lives. Euan Gray, 22, got into trouble at Tynemouth, North Tyneside, alongside his brother Andrew, 19, but both used the RNLI's Float to Live manoeuvre to survive while a lifeboat was sent to their rescue. The charity praised the Gateshead pair for their actions and hoped others would follow their example. To float, people should tilt their head backwards until their ears are submerged and, crucially, not panic. The brothers got caught in a notorious rip current, a powerful channel of water flowing out to sea, at the south end of Longsands beach in May 2025. Both resisted the urge to panic and swim against the current, instead opting to float and await rescue as was taught to them by their father years before at their local swimming pool. While his brother was able to clamber out on to nearby rocks, Euan had to be saved by the Cullercoats RNLI crew, who had been alerted by members of the public. To mark the anniversary and raise funds to thank their rescuers, the brothers are running a half marathon every day in May. Eua

May 19, 2026 → May 19, 2026