New Brighton RNLI's lifeboat launched to numerous incidents in New Brighton, Leasowe And Crosby on Saturday last (30 May).
Following on from two previous busy days with numerous deployments, Saturday was no exception.
The pagers sounded for the first time at 1.46pm when the volunteer crew were requested to attended to two people on North Bank, New Brighton about to be cut off by the incoming tide. The lifeboat was launched and on arrival at scene identified that the two people had now walked back to safety. While the lifeboat was on scene they noticed a family of four wading through a gully and onto North Bank despite the incoming tide. The family were given safety advice, advised to go back to shore and were observed safely back to shore by the crew.
The crew were returning to the lifeboat station when they were diverted again, this time to a group in excess of 20 people about to be cut off by the incoming tide, this time near to Leasowe Lighthouse. With the assistance of Wirral Coastguard Rescue team, everyone was directed safely back to shore.
The crew were again returning to station when a further message was received from the Coastguard asking for them to divert to a report of a male trapped in the mud near to the river Alt. On arrival at scene, HM Coastguard Crosby were already at scene and were able to free the casualty.
New Brighton RNLI's lifeboat was about to head home when there was a further report of four people cut off by the tide near to Crosby beach. The lifeboat made its way to the location and with the assistance of Crosby Coastguard the people were walked back to the safety of the beach.
While waiting for the lifeboat to return, the tractor and shore crew sighted approximately 10 people at Portland Groyne, New Brighton in danger of being cut off by the tide. The shore crew were able to escort them to safety and also warned them in relation to checking tide times.
The shore crew then made back to the lifeboat recovery site, the lifeboat was recovered, washed down and returned to station at 4:30pm.
Mark Dyer, New Brighton RNLI Deputy Launch Authority said: ‘We have attended almost 20 incidents over the last few days. A combination of nice weather and people unaware of tide times have contributed to the majority of these calls. I can’t stress enough how important it is to check tide times prior to heading to your destination. Always be aware of your surroundings and if you are unsure please speak to one of the beach lifeguards who can give you further information. I would also like to highlight the excellent teamwork and dedication shown by all the volunteer crew at New Brighton lifeboat station, especially over the last few days.’
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.
