The sun has been shining across Merseyside this week and hundreds of beach goers have been enjoying the warmer weather. New Brighton RNLI volunteers have been on hand to attend to anyone in difficulty in the water, supporting seven incidents over 24 hours.
RNLI New Brighton lifeboat crew on the River Mersey
On Monday 4 September, New Brighton’s Atlantic 85 B class lifeboat was tasked by HM Coastguard to an incident involving six children on paddleboards who were feared to have been swept out to sea by the outgoing tide in Leasowe Bay.
The incident was supported by Hoylake RNLI hovercraft Hurley Spirit.
The children were located by the lifeboat over 700 metres offshore and brought back to safety aboard the lifeboat. They were transferred ashore and passed to the care of their parents and the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team. No medical assistance was required.
On Tuesday 5 September, New Brighton lifeboat was requested to assist two paddleboarders who had drifted out to sea. The volunteer crew safely recovered the two paddleboarders, and identified two additional paddleboarders who were also recovered. No medical assistance was required.
A further four incidents occurred where people had drifted out to sea, gotten into difficulty in the water or were cut off by the tide.
Chris Cousens, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead, said: ‘As the peak season finishes for RNLI lifeguards and with a reduction of lifeguarded beaches, we’re asking people to continue to take care and be aware of the dangers.’
‘If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can.’
‘With warmer weather, many may make the most of the evenings and in recent weeks there has been an increase in paddleboard rescues. When using paddleboards, please remember to avoid offshore winds, wear a buoyancy aid, carry a phone in a waterproof pouch and to wear an appropriate leash to reduce the chance of separation from your board.’
It is always important to check tide times and take care when heading out on the water. If anyone gets into difficulty, they should dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.
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.
