The inquest into the death of 13-year-old Edie Smart, who was swept out to sea near Whitley Bay beach, has raised significant concerns regarding the emergency response. Edie's family, while grateful for the efforts of the lifeguards, highlighted 'missed opportunities' that may have impacted her survival chances. Edie was rescued on July 24, 2025, but passed away four days later. During the inquest at Newcastle Coroners' Court, testimony revealed that HM Coastguard's Rhys Stevens admitted that, in hindsight, an ambulance should have been called sooner. The coroner questioned why there was a delay in this decision, especially considering the severity of Edie's situation. Additionally, the inquest will assess whether safety measures and signage at the beach were adequate. Edie's mother described her daughter as a deeply loved family member and expressed distress over the circumstances surrounding the rescue operation. The inquest is expected to last five days and will further explore the coordination between emergency services and the effectiveness of the response to the incident.