Always 'Respect the Water' when you're having fun in the sun!

The charity's lifeboat was initially requested by HM Coastguard at 10:17 and then on two further occasions to provide assistance in the area near to Little Eye and on the wall of West Kirby Marine Lake. The first incident followed reports that two people were in difficulty in the water between Little and Middle Eye. The casualties were quickly recovered by the RNLI inshore lifeboat and they were met by Coastguard Rescue Officers near to Dee Lane.

The volunteer crew was then requested to attend to two swimmers who appeared to be struggling following a call from a concerned member of their party. Seahorse, West Kirby RNLI's inshore lifeboat, was immediately re-launched to provide support. One swimmer decided that they were able to safely swim back to shore and did not require any further assistance. The second swimmer, however, was returned to shore by the charity's inshore lifeboat and was met by the Coastguard Rescue Officers who were already in situ.

West Kirby RNLI inshore lifeboat was then re-launched, the third launch of the day, as both the volunteer crew and the Coastguard Rescue Officers had noticed a number of people on the lake wall in a potentially precarious situation. The 10-metre high tide was rapidly covering the lake wall and a group of approximately 15 people, including a person on a mobility scooter, appeared to be in difficulty. The mobility scooter had stopped due to water ingress into the battery. The volunteer crew remained nearby to ensure that everyone returned safely to the dry area on the promenade and awaiting Coastguard Rescue Officers.

During what has been one of West Kirby RNLI's busiest mornings in recent months, Tom Clark made his debut on board the D-Class and put all his training into practice.

Dave Henshaw, RNLI Launching Authority for West Kirby’s RNLI Lifeboat, says: 'Always check not only the tide timetable but also the height of the tide as that can present further issues. If ever in doubt call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. It is important to remember that with big tides the water can rise at more than 40mm a minute.'

Notes to editors

• West Kirby Sea lifeboat station has been operating since 1966. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to www.rnli.org.uk.

RNLI media contacts

For more information please telephone Ed Rowland, RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officer on 07429 277294 or Vicky Gaskin on 07786 237824 RNLI Volunteer Deputy Lifeboat Press Officer or Public Relations on 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

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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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.