West Kirby RNLI tasked to assist paddleboarder in difficulty
West Kirby RNLI was requested to launch at 3.07pm HM Coastguard following reports of a paddleboarder in difficulty on the rocks between Caldy Steps and Thurstaston.
The volunteer crew of West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat quickly assembled and launched to carry out a shoreline search of the area. They spoke to an individual at Caldy Steps who had just recovered his paddleboard and was safely out of the water. The individual had all the appropriate equipment as he was wearing a wetsuit and buoyancy aid, as well as carrying a means of calling for help. He confirmed that he had left the water over the rocks and was in no difficulty. As the volunteer crew were returning to the Sandy Lane slipway adjacent to West Kirby Sailing Club, there was a suggestion of another casualty on rocks under Cubbins Green. West Kirby RNLI liaised with West Kirby Sailing Club's safety boat who confirmed the person was in no danger. West Kirby RNLI lifeboat was stood down by HM Coastguard and returned to shore.
Richard Diamond, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: ‘An individual can quickly find themselves in trouble especially when in a high tide near to rocks. It is important that everyone entering the water is not only wearing and carrying the correct equipment but has also ascertained if there are any hazards that they might encounter. People should never hesitate to phone 999 and ask for the Coastguard if anyone is in danger near to or on the water. We are happy to help.”
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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