West Kirby lifeboat rescues group of walkers and their dog from Middle Eye
West Kirby RNLI inshore lifeboat’s assistance was requested by HM Coastguard at 9.57am today due to a group being cut off by incoming tide.
A party of keen walkers, including five adults, four children and a dog, attempted to return to shore. However, due to the speed at which the tide was coming in, found themselves knee-high in water. Rather than continue they sought safety on Middle Eye and the Coastguard was alerted to their situation.
The RNLI charity volunteer crew launched within 15 minutes of receiving the request for assistance and escorted the group in two trips from Middle Eye to Dee Lane, West Kirby. The casualties were unharmed and did not require any medical assistance. The walkers were relieved and grateful to the crew for their rapid response. They had underestimated the height of the tide and that it is necessary to leave Hilbre Island at least three and a half hours before high water on large tides of 9 metres or more.
Dave Henshaw, RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager for West Kirby’s RNLI Lifeboat, says: ‘It is important that visitors to Hilbre check the tidal information before setting out and to take appropriate clothing and refreshments. There is information concerning tide times and height on the noticeboard opposite to the ice-cream kiosk at the Dee Lane end of the Marine Lake. It is important to respect the water and to guard against any hazardous situations.’
RNLI Media Contact
For more information, contact Vicky Gaskin, West Kirby RNLI Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer, on 07796 237824.
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The RNLI charity 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 146,000 lives.
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