
Woman rescued by Hoylake RNLI thanks volunteers at Christmas reunion
Becky Hughes from the Wirral, along with her husband and five dogs were rescued by Hoylake RNLI in October after being cut off by the tide. Becky returned to the station to thank the volunteers before Christmas and to present a generous donation to the charity.
Becky was walking her five dogs on Leasowe Beach back in October when they were cut off by the incoming spring tide. Becky’s husband raised the alarm by calling 999 on his mobile and HM Coastguard requested the launch of Hoylake RNLI’s hovercraft just after 10am. Becky’s husband had waded ashore through the tidal gutter followed by four of their dogs, but Becky and her elderly dog were still at risk from the flooding tide.
The hovercraft arrived on scene and took Becky and her dog onboard. They were checked over by the crew and did not require any medical assistance.
The volunteer crew returned Becky and her dogs to shore and handed them over to the care of the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team near Barber’s Folly.
The hovercraft was then stood down and HM Coastguard requested they carry out a shoreline search on their return to station to ensure that no one else was at risk of being cut off by the tide.
Becky Hughes said:
‘It was wonderful to be reunited with the crew who came to our aid on October 19. The tide came in so quickly, it was really frightening.
‘At one point, I thought “is this how I’m going to die?”. I’m so close to my house, I come here every day, yet this is where I might meet my end.
‘We live literally two mins from Moreton Shore beach and prom, and we walk our five dogs down there daily so we’re very aware of the tide which is why it was all the more surprising really because if it can happen to me it can happen to anyone.
‘When the RNLI hovercraft came, I was so relieved, because I was so exhausted and didn’t know how long I could have gone on. They gave me a hug, calmed me down, checked me over and took us over to where my husband was with our other dogs.
‘Fortunately, we knew to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Seeing the hovercraft approaching put me at ease, I knew my dogs and I were in safe hands.
‘I just was so grateful. When you feel like someone has saved your life, you want to say thank you. I’ve set up a monthly donation as well.
‘It’s one of those things where until you need it, you don’t truly appreciate the service. But then you also realise that they’re volunteers and giving up their weekends with their families. They’re dropping everything to go and help people who need it. More people need to know this.
‘My husband and I are eternally grateful for the help of the volunteer crew. It was a pleasure to present them with a card of thanks and a donation to the charity before Christmas.’
RNLI Hovercraft commander Andy Dodd said:
‘Spring tides pose a great risk to those walking on our local beaches. The beaches are covered by high water much quicker than usual during spring tides as the water floods in at an increased rate.
‘It’s common for people to find themselves cut off by the tide during spring tides. We advise you always check the tide times and carry a means of contact.
‘It’s lucky that Becky’s husband raised the alarm in good time by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard. They could have been in a very dangerous situation had we not gone to their assistance immediately.
‘It was lovely for our crew to be reunited with Becky. Her gratitude is greatly appreciated and we’re very relieved to see her safe and well.
‘Our volunteer crew are on call 24/7 over the Christmas period. Without donations, we couldn’t continue to offer this service and to save lives at sea.’
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For more information, please contact Anya Walton Media Engagement Placement at [email protected] or call 07977468268. Alternatively, contact the RNLI Press Office at [email protected] or call 01202336789.
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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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