The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade (TVLB) is the oldest and one of only 3 remaining active Volunteer Life Brigades in the UK. The TVLB was formed following the tragic loss of 32 souls from the stricken ships of the S.S.Stanley and the schooner Friendship on 24th November 1864 at the Black Middens rocks at Tynemouth. Despite the efforts of a small group of Coastguards and the bravery of the crew of the lifeboat Constance, the tragedy occurred within yards of hundreds of spectators who were powerless to help.
The brigade is now over 150 years old and has constantly evolved and developed to meet the increased demand on its services. The modern brigade provides a 24-hour, 365 day multi-disciplinary shore based coastal search and rescue service. The rescue team is a declared facility to HM Coastguard and represents the Coastguard Rescue Service in the North Tyneside and Newcastle area. The brigade currently has 23 members and responds to an average of 125 callouts per year, with the most being 151 in 2020.