West Kirby RNLI come to the aid of family of four on Hilbre Island
West Kirby RNLI rescued two adults and two children after they became cut off by tide despite checking the tide times prior to their visit.
Volunteer lifeboat crew assistance was requested at 11.48 am by HM Coastguard who responded quickly to a call from a family that were attempting to leave the south end of Hilbre to return to shore. The family were from outside of the area and had checked the tide timetable but miscalculated the latest time that it was safe to leave the island prior to high tide.
HM Coastguard advised the family to remain in place until West Kirby RNLI lifeboat were able to reach them. The casualties were unharmed and upon reaching Sandy Lane slipway were handed over to HM Coastguard for further support. The family were relieved and grateful to both HM Coastguard and the volunteer RNLI crew for their rapid response.
Speaking following the call out, Richard Diamond, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said:
‘It is important to not only check the tide times but also to factor in the time required to walk the two miles to shore. We would recommend that you leave the island at least three hours before high water, or longer if any of your party walks slowly. It takes about one hour to cross the two miles. The casualties acted appropriately by contacting HM Coastguard who advised the party not to enter the water and quickly notified West Kirby RNLI. If you see someone in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
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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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