'I could see him going under' 

What began as a happy family day out in Blackpool became every parent's worst nightmare in a matter of moments.

Subby (10) and his cousin Kizza (12) were trapped beneath the pier, desperately clinging to its supports as powerful waves crashed over them. Every second mattered.

Above them, their older cousin Ted refused to leave. Clinging to the higher beams of the pier, he reached desperately towards the boys - but was powerless to stop the tide rising around them.

A member of the public called 999, and for the 11th time in just seven days, Blackpool RNLI's volunteer crew launched to the rescue. Just four minutes after the call came in, they were on scene.

Watch what happened next

This footage from the lifeboat crew’s helmet cameras shows how the volunteers went to the children’s aid.

‘My little boy was so scared’

As shown in the footage, the crew of Blackpool’s D class lifeboat took the children straight to waiting paramedics on the beach, while a second crew aboard the station’s Atlantic 85 lifeboat rescued Ted.

Zully, mother to 10-year-old Subby and aunt to 12-year-old Kizza, says: ‘My little boy was so scared. He held on, the little brave man, but couldn’t hold any more and I could see him going under. It was a miracle how they got him.

‘The RNLI charity didn’t just save these small children, they saved a family. They brought us back together. God bless these people. Once they rescued the children, they were still cautious and caring - they wanted to see if the children are okay and in hospital. Once they were told “yes they are all in hospital”, they rested knowing they are in safe hands.’

Thanks to the kit and training provided by kind supporters like you, the volunteers had everything they needed to save lives – and the boys have all made a full recovery.

If you see someone else struggling in the water, remember Phone, Float, Throw:

• Phone 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard.
• Tell the person to relax and float on their back.
• Throw something buoyant to help them stay afloat.