West Kirby RNLI rescues two cyclists cut off by rising tide

At approximately 1.06pm on Wednesday, West Kirby RNLI was tasked by HM Coastguard to respond to reports of two people on bicycles who had been cut off by the rising tide and were stranded between Little Eye and Middle Eye.

The casualties had called 999 themselves, asking for help after realising they were being surrounded by the rising tide. The station’s D class lifeboat, Leonard Pownall, launched from Sandy Lane slipway and proceeded towards the islands. As soon as the crew were on scene, they spotted the two casualties, who, although being cold and slightly wet, required no medical attention due to the swift response of the lifeboat.

With all crew, casualties and their bicycles safely onboard, the lifeboat made its way back to Sandy Lane where they were met by additional volunteer crew from West Kirby RNLI, who carried out some further welfare checks and provided safety advice about tide times and the importance of asking for the Coastguard when calling 999 in a coastal emergency.

The lifeboat was then washed down, refuelled, and made ready for service.

Richard Diamond, West Kirby Lifeboat Operations Manager, said:

‘Always carry a means of calling for help and if you find yourself in trouble, don’t hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard so we can come to your aid.

‘If you are visiting Hilbre Island or Middle Eye please remember that tide times and heights vary throughout the month and can come in much faster than people anticipate. Our advice is to always check the tide times and heights and keep a look out for incoming tide. Use tide timetables or the Wirral Council website and make sure you have enough time to return safely, but as a rule of thumb, you should leave at least 3 hours before high tide.’

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.

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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 142,700 lives.

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