
Walker and two dogs mark first shout of 2025 for West Kirby RNLI
West Kirby RNLI was tasked by HM Coastguard following reports of a person and two dogs trapped in the fast flowing incoming tide near Little Eye.
At 12.29pm on Saturday (4 January), West Kirby RNLI was paged by HM Coastguard after members of the public had reported the situation to the emergency services.
Within seven minutes, the D class lifeboat, Leonard Pownall, launched from Sandy Lane slipway and made headway towards Little Eye. While en route, further information was received that the individual and one dog were wading through deep water and returning to shore. However, the second dog had swum back to Little Eye, with its owner eager to return to the island as the dog continued entering the water.
Upon arrival on scene, Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT) confirmed that the dog and individual on shore were the original casualties spotted in the water. West Kirby Lifeboat performed a search of Little Eye and the surrounding area to ensure no other casualties were present.
A decision was made between Holyhead Coastguard, West Kirby RNLI’s Launch Authority and Helm and Wirral CRT that the best course of action was to take the owner aboard the lifeboat and retrieve the dog, thereby stopping any potential risk of anybody else attempting to go into the water and rescue the dog.
With the owner aboard, the crew made their way to Little Eye and successfully retrieved Mabel, returning both dog and owner to shore. Despite being wet and cold, both were in good spirits. With all two-legged and four-legged casualties reunited and safe, the lifeboat returned to the station, where it was washed down, refuelled and made ready for service by 2.30pm.
Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority, said:
‘Thankfully, the casualty did exactly the right thing by leaving the dog and heading back to shore to wait for the lifeboat and coastguard teams. Most importantly, she did not re-enter the water, especially at this time of year when the fast incoming tides are compounded by extremely cold water that can quickly lead to body incapacitation and potential drowning.
‘The dog returned safely to the island, which is often the way, confirming its owner made the right decision by continuing to head back to shore. Please check the tide times before setting off and remember how fast the current spring tides are, often catching people out. Thank you to members of the public, who spotted this situation unfolding, immediately calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard - you made the right call.
‘Always carry a means of communication with you and do not hesitate to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you are worried for yourself or others. Please never enter or re-enter the water for dogs. Remember - get out, and get us out - 24/7, we’re here to help.’
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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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