Four taskings in four days for West Kirby RNLI
The volunteer crew responded to four separate incidents over a four-day period during the half-term week, as large numbers of people visited the area.
On Thursday 28 May, West Kirby’s D class lifeboat, Leonard Pownall, launched to two individuals who had become cut off by the tide after walking out towards the islands. Unaware of the incoming tide, they attempted to return to shore before wading back through the rising water to reach Hilbre Island. Cold and wet, they were assessed by the crew and brought safely back to shore where they were met by Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team (WCRT).
On Friday 29 May, the crew were requested by HM Coastguard to provide immediate medical support to an RNLI lifeguard treating a young casualty on the beach. The volunteer crew, who were already nearby hosting a station visit, assisted alongside WCRT and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS).
While helping to transfer the casualty to a waiting ambulance, the crew were retasked by the Coastguard to a second medical incident involving a young male who had been swimming in the Marine Lake. The crew assisted with casualty care before they were transferred into the care of NWAS.
Later the same day, the crew launched again following concerns for a large number of people making their way towards the islands and across the shoreline as the tide was flooding, with the Coastguard requesting the crew carry out a welfare check.
Due to multiple groups being spread out across a large tidal area, Hoylake RNLI’s hovercraft, Hurley Spirit, was also tasked to assist with checking the area, alongside WCRT. After a multi-agency search, safety advice about the incoming tide was provided to members of the public, while West Kirby lifeboat crew and Coastguard Rescue Officers checked the islands on foot, establishing that no individuals were in danger. The crew maintained position to ensure members of the public safely made their way to shore.
The fourth tasking came on Sunday (31 May) morning after reports of three people potentially cut off between Middle Eye and Hilbre Island by the incoming tide. The crew launched to investigate and, after locating the group, established that they had decided to remain safely on Middle Eye until the tide went back out. The lifeboat carried out an area search to check that no further individuals were in potential danger before returning to station.
Richard Diamond, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:
‘A huge thank you to the public for alerting the emergency services when concerns were raised. It has been a particularly busy period for our volunteer crew and their families, balancing training exercises, multiple callouts and time with loved ones during the half term week, so well done and thank you.
‘I'd also like to remind people to take extra care when parking near the coast. Our launch sites and emergency access routes are clearly marked with yellow hatchings and signage, but we continue to encounter vehicles and other obstructions in these areas, including on multiple occasions this week.
‘Blocking a launch site can delay, and in some circumstances prevent, our ability to launch when lives may be at risk. We would ask everyone visiting the area to check where they are parking and ensure emergency access routes remain clear at all times.
‘If you see anyone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. We would also encourage anyone planning a visit to the islands to check tide times and conditions before setting out.’
RNLI Media Contacts
For further information, please contact:
Eve Kemp, Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer for West Kirby RNLI, [email protected]
Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]
Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]
RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,700 lives.
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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries
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