Wirral RNLI Lifeguard rescues three swimmers from River Mersey

After a busy weekend with the hot weather sending lots of people to the coast, Max Evans, one of the Lifeguard Seasonal Supervisors on the Wirral spotted three swimmers who were in trouble in the water off of New Brighton beach.

Despite lifeguard patrol times ending at 6pm, Max had been on site organising equipment after his shift when he noticed the swimmers. Upon realising that they were in difficulty, Max headed out on a rescue board to the scene to assist the swimmers. Two of the swimmers were fortunately aided by a passing Jet Skier who helped them back to shore. Max reached the third casualty who had managed to climb onto a Groin marker to prevent himself from being taken further out. On the rescue board, Max was able to reach the third casualty and assist him onto the board before paddling him to shore.

Once all three casualties had safely been brought ashore, Max waited with them for the arrival of the Coastguard Rescue Crew who performed a medical assessment of the casualties.

New Brighton lifeboat also responded to the situation but wasn’t required to intervene.

Speaking about the rescue, Max said:

‘It was really just fortunate that I happened to still be on site and therefore was able to respond. Our lifeguard shift for the day had ended almost an hour before. Our lifeguards are on patrol between the hours of 10am-6pm on all lifeguarded beaches between the red and yellow flags.

We would really encourage anyone heading to the coast to locate their nearest lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. If we’re not there we won’t be able to help after all.’

To find your nearest lifeguarded beach, head to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches

We ask that any visitors to the coast this year remember our key safety advice;

Visit a Lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

If you get into trouble Float to Live – lie on your back and relax, resisting the urge to thrash about

Call 999 in an emergency and ask for the Coastguard

Media contacts

For more information, please contact Maddy Wright, Media Engagement Placement for Wales and West on 07929659684 or at [email protected]. Alternatively, call the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789 or email [email protected].

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.