RNLI West Kirby respond to reports of multiple tide cut offs

The volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked this morning by the Coastguard to conduct a water search in response to reports of multiple groups of walkers who had been cut off by the tide.

West Kirby’s lifeboat crew aboard the ‘Seahorse’ launched from the south end slip way and quickly discovered a group of swimmers quite far from shore. After having checked in with the swimmers and been assured they did not require assistance, the crew headed out to check Little Eye and Middle Eye island as well as Hilbre. Across all three islands multiple groups of walkers were found and the crew conducted welfare checks to ensure all groups had intended to be there and were suitably equipped to wait for the tide to go out again.

Having shared the relevant safety advice and checked all parties had enough fluids, a means of communication and knew what to do if they got into trouble, the rib headed back to shore.

Andy Brown, Deputy Launch Authority at West Kirby had spoken to BBC Radio Merseyside this morning and had shared some safety advice, warning people to be careful of accidental tide cut offs in the area. He said:

‘The tides around the Wirral can move very fast and often people are on the beach enjoying the view, looking out to sea and don’t realise they’re being cut off from behind.

To avoid being cut off by the tide make sure to check tide times before heading out and whilst on the beach be aware of what the tide is doing, remembering it can come in very fast.’

To find out more information about tidal cut offs and how you can avoid them, you can go to: https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/tides o

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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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For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

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