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West Kirby RNLI rescue 10 people and a dog cut off by the high spring tide

Lifeboats News Release

Yesterday (Friday 18 October), West Kirby RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard to reports of 8–10 people being cut off by the tide and surrounded by water.

Coastguard and Search and Rescue Team colleagues next to an RNLI volunteer can be seen looking out to the boat and BV as they launch across the beach to the islands

RNLI/Eve Kemp

The RNLI volunteer crew alongside HM Coastguard and Search and Rescue Team

The West Kirby volunteer crew quickly launched the D class lifeboat, Leonard Pownall, from Sandy Lane slipway at the south end of Marine Lake. The BV launch vehicle proceeded to the north end of Marine Lake, joining HM Coastguard units on scene to locate casualties and guide the lifeboat.

Upon arrival at the scene, the crew found two individuals and a dog standing on rocks. With the water all around them and rising up, they had decided that they would need to swim for shore, until they saw the lifeboat. The two individuals had previously been attempting to return to shore, but one individual had slipped, injuring themselves, which slowed their progress.

The volunteer crew manoeuvred the lifeboat to the casualties, bringing both safely on board and returning them to shore. Both were transported to the station for a welfare check and warming up, and though shaken, fortunately both were able to head for home.

The lifeboat immediately relaunched to the remaining eight individuals stranded on Middle Eye, returning them in two groups of four until all were safely ashore and brought back to the station for warmth, a hot drink and a biscuit.

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team, who were on scene, also returned to the station to perform a welfare check with the individuals. Meanwhile, whilst the rescue was underway, the high tide had also begun to flood the Marine Lake walkway. One volunteer crew member assisted members of the public navigating the flooded path, helping them back to dry land.

By 12.15pm, the lifeboat had been cleaned, refuelled and was back ready for service. Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority, said:

‘The member of the public did exactly the right thing by reporting this to the Coastguard. Had this situation been left any longer, it could have been much worse.

‘The current spring tides are some of the highest of the month, with the largest volume of water flooding in at exceptionally fast speeds, situations can turn dangerous very quickly.

‘These high spring tides will continue over the weekend and coupled with the expected high winds forecast for Sunday, we would advise individuals to be cautious. The Marine Lake walkway will flood over during the period of high tide and the water comes in very quickly. Large waves could also contain debris with the potential for serious injury. Please check the tide times before venturing out for an autumnal weekend walk.

‘If walking to the islands, we would advise starting your journey back to shore three hours before the next high tide and always carry a means of contact with you.

'If you believe you, or anyone around you, is in danger, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. The RNLI crews are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If in doubt, get us out.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Mim Mellors or Eve Kemp RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers on [email protected] and [email protected] or 07702786966 and 07446888713.

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

The BV launch vehicle and D class lifeboat can be seen launching across West Kirby beach

RNLI/Eve Kemp

West Kirby RNLI launch to 10 people and a dog cut off by the high tide
6 members of West Kirby RNLI's volunteer crew can be seen next to the D class lifeboat preparing to take casualties off board

RNLI/Eve Kemp

The West Kirby RNLI crew bringing casualties to shore

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.

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