West Kirby RNLI rescue dog from mud flats

West Kirby RNLI volunteer crew were tasked at 5.06 pm following a request by HM Coastguard and quickly launched onto West Kirby beach. The member of the public who contacted HM Coastguard had also advised the casualties, who had come ashore and were stood on the lake wall of West Kirby Marine Lake, not to return to the beach due to the potentially treacherous muddy conditions.

The casualties informed the volunteer crew that the dog was a skittish rescue dog and afraid of men. Fortunately, one of the newest volunteer crew members, Ella Marston, is a very experienced dog handler and was transferred onto the crew who then proceeded to the moorings, where the dog had last been sighted. Upon sighting of the dog, Ella dismounted from the boat and launch vehicle and carefully walked towards the dog. She was able to reassure the dog, who by this stage was covered in mud and exhausted. The dog was transferred onboard West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat and returned to shore at Sandy Lane slipway to its awaiting owners. The casualties and dog were transferred into the care of the awaiting local HM Coastguard team.

Speaking following the call out, Gary Price, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Deputy Launch Authority said: ‘We would like to thank the member of the public who acted quickly in contacting the Coastguard and advising the casualties in the most sensible way. It is very easy to become trapped in mud, which can become even more dangerous when you factor in tide. In this instance the owners did the right thing by returning to shore to seek support. Please do call 999 and ask for the Coastguard should you suspect that anyone is in difficulty near to or on the water.’

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.