Swimmers rescued from rocks by New Brighton RNLI
On Thursday 27 November, three swimmers were rescued in a multi-agency effort involving New Brighton and Hoylake RNLI in the Leasowe Bay area.
In difficult conditions with a westerly force 6 wind, rough seas and swells of 1-1.5m (on a high tide of approximately 8m), the crew launched their Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Charles Dibdin, quickly and battled conditions to make it to scene.
Whilst en route to the incident, further reports from HM Coastguard indicated that there were three casualties. One had been successfully recovered onto the rocks of the groyne with minimal injuries, but two were in grave danger in the breaking surf, being washed against the rocks.
Once on scene, the lifeboat crew made an approach to attempt to recover the casualties, but conditions meant it was too dangerous for them to be brought aboard and evacuated by sea. Instead, one of the lifeboat crew entered the water from the Atlantic 85 to reach the casualties. Alongside a Coastguard Rescue Team member, they were able to move each casualty in turn higher up the rocks and out of the breaking surf.
Meanwhile Hoylake RNLI’s Shannon class all-weather lifeboat, Edmund Hawthorn Micklewood, also launched to assist with the tasking in the challenging weather. This followed an initial request for the station’s Inshore Rescue Hovercraft, which was stood down as the conditions became more treacherous. Hoylake were able to provide support and safety cover to New Brighton during the shout.
HM Coastguard Helicopter, Rescue 936, arrived on scene a short time later. The winchman was able to meet RNLI and Coastguard personnel on the rocks and airlift the two casualties in turn to safety on the beach, where paramedics were waiting for further treatment. Both casualties were in the care of the ambulance service by approximately 4.10pm and were taken to hospital for further assessment of their injuries.
Mark Harding, New Brighton Helm for the rescue, said:
‘This was an incredibly difficult rescue with high stakes and challenging conditions. The multi-agency work was fantastic and thankfully we were able to achieve a good outcome.
‘The casualties are very lucky indeed and a special mention to one of the swimmers in the group, who managed to get ashore and raise the alarm to a member of the public who called 999.
‘Being swimmers from a local, well-versed and knowledgeable swim group themselves, this rescue really goes to show that anybody can be caught out by the sea.
Chris Cousens, RNLI Regional Water Safety Lead says:
‘If you are going for a swim on the coast, never go alone. Carry a means of communication with you, wear appropriate kit and consider having a tow float and wearing something brightly coloured.
‘If you get into difficulty, remember Float to Live. If you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
All RNLI crew were recovered safe and well and both lifeboats returned to their stations a short time later. This shout was also significant for three RNLI volunteers. It was a first for New Brighton shore crew volunteer Jack Prince, the first shout in command for Hoylake's Harry Jones and the first lifeboat shout afloat for crew member Dave Mackenzie.
The New Brighton and Hoylake crews will have their pagers on over Christmas and New Year. Like RNLI crews around the coast of the UK and Ireland, they are ready to leave their celebrations with friends and family to battle the elements and save lives at sea.
RNLI lifeboats launch on average more than 100 times during the Christmas period every year, with 119 'shouts' in 2024.
These rescues, and others all year round, are only made possible by the donations which help to fund the essential kit and training needed to keep them prepared and equipped to save lives.
The RNLI has launched a Christmas Appeal, to enable the charity to continue its lifesaving work into next year and beyond. To donate, go online to RNLI.org/WinterAppeal.
Notes to Editors:- Interviews with RNLI crew are available on request.
- Rescue footage can be viewed and downloaded here.
RNLI Media Contacts:
For more information, please contact Connor Wray, New Brighton RNLI Lifeboat Press Officer/ILB Crew on
[email protected] or 07756 553 092.
Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] / 07977 728 315, or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.
Key facts about the RNLI
The RNLI is the charity that 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 146,700 lives.
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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.