Moving tribute to heroic Tynemouth lifeguard

Sep 12 2009 by Tom Mullen, The Journal

HOLDING hands in the water, surfers gathered last night to pay a moving tribute to a hero lifeguard who died while taking part in a charity swim.

Paddling out to sea at Tynemouth, some 70 mourners joined together for a minute’s silence on the waves for their friend Will Hogg.

Mr Hogg, chairman of the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, died taking part in a charity swim last week, leaving a tight-knit community in shock.

And yesterday his friends arrived at Longsands beach to show just how much the father-of-two meant to them.

Flowers were laid on the water and cheers and applause rang out, while an even larger crowd looked on from the shore.

They were accompanied by RNLI lifeboats from Tynemouth and Cullercoats, which anchored next to the surfers and fired their water hoses.

Organiser Chris Mason, a lifeguard who knew Mr Hogg well, said: "This was really to pay respect to the legend that was. Everybody decided they wanted to do something like this so we got together and planned what has turned out to be a really fitting way to say goodbye."

Friend and surfer John Millard, 37, added: "It’s been a very, very sad and trying week for everybody, especially Will’s family. But this was a nice way to round it off. This was the fun bit. It’s been a big shock. I was born in Tynemouth and Will is someone who’s just always been there. Everyone will miss him really badly."

Mr Hogg, 59, was taking part in a four-mile swim from St Mary’s Lighthouse to the Tynemouth Pier lighthouse, along with 20 other North Tyneside Council lifeguards when he got into difficulties.

He was brought to shore and given first aid before being taken to North Tyneside General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Since the tragedy numerous tributes have been paid to Mr Hogg, a volunteer lifeguard of 25 years with more than 500 rescues to his name.

Peter Lilley, from the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade, said: "Will was a very popular and well-liked man in Tynemouth. He will be extremely sadly missed. All the lifeguards in the area have been trained by him and learnt so much from him. On a personal note, I have learned a lot from him and I owe him a great debt of gratitude."

Police inspector Geoff Cross, added: "He was a well-known and respected figure in the community. I would like to offer condolences to his family at this time."

A funeral was held at Tynemouth’s Holy Saviour Church on Thursday, followed by a private crematorium service.