
Three shouts in one day for New Brighton RNLI
A busy Thursday for New Brighton RNLI as they received three separate taskings in a single day.
New Brighton RNLI’s volunteer crew was awoken by the sound of the pager at just after 8am on Thursday 6 June, to reports of a man and a woman, as well as two dogs, cut off by the tide and struggling to make it ashore. Both casualties were eventually recovered safely and the crew of the Atlantic 85, inshore lifeboat returned to station to wash down and prepare for service.
Tidal cut offs are a big concern for New Brighton’s lifeboat, particularly around the Leasowe Bay and New Brighton beach areas. If you are out walking on the coast, always check tide times and be aware that, if the tide is coming in, it may be coming in behind you.
After a quieter afternoon, the pagers sounded once more at approximately 8:50pm that night, this time tasked by the Coastguard to reports of a casualty stuck in mud. Volunteer crew proceeded to the slipway to prepare to launch and assist. The incident was resolved just prior to launch, and New Brighton RNLI was able to return to station.
Reports of a person in the water at approximately 11:30pm brought about the familiar sound of the pagers once again, with crew launching efficiently from New Brighton beach and carrying out shoreline searches between Fort Perch Rock and Woodside Ferry Terminal. The casualty was eventually located safely, and all units stood down to return to base.
Adam Bidston, helm at New Brighton RNLI, said:
‘This was a busy day for our volunteer crew, who showed incredible commitment to continue responding so efficiently and effectively. The varied nature of these shouts really highlights the dangers around the coastline. If you’re heading out to enjoy the water this summer, please wear a lifejacket and carry a means of communication.’
If you see anybody in distress on the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Notes to Editors:
New Brighton RNLI was established in 1863 in the bustling seaside resort of New Brighton, on the northeast corner of the Wirral peninsula. They cover the River Mersey and out into the Irish Sea.
The station is home to a B-class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The crews at New Brighton have been presented with a remarkable 48 awards for gallantry to date.
Connor Wray – Lifeboat Press Officer (LPO)
07756553092
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.
Learn more about the RNLI
For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.
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.