Strong spring tides create a busy Mother’s Day weekend for West Kirby RNLI

On Sunday 30 March, multiple members of the public notified two West Kirby RNLI volunteers, already present at the lifeboat station, about a kite surfer in West Kirby Marine Lake who appeared to be in difficulty.

The individual had been in the water and lying on his board attempting to get up for 20 minutes, with the crew watching him for a further ten minutes. After falling from his board and making several further failed attempts to get upright again, the surfer remained in the water.

Following conversations with HM Coastguard, the decision was made to launch the lifeboat to carry out a welfare check and the crew were paged with an immediate readiness notification at 11.55am.

In under ten minutes, the crew launched and proceeded to the casualty, who said they were tired but okay and were making their way back to shore. The lifeboat stood off and made sure the individual recovered safely. Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team, also on scene, spoke to the individual to confirm there were no medical requirements.

The crew then made their way to the north end of the lake to check on a second kite surfer, who also confirmed they were not in difficulty. The lifeboat was therefore stood down, washed and refuelled, and ready for service again by 1pm.

This was West Kirby’s second callout in just over 24 hours, following reports on Saturday morning (29 March) of two people in the water near Cubbins Green - thankfully a false alarm with good intent.

Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority, said:

‘A big thank you, as always, to the members of the public who let us know about their concerns for people in the water, both today and yesterday.

‘We’re currently experiencing some of the largest spring tides of the year, which will continue into the week. The West Kirby Marine Lake walkway can get flooded very quickly, so please take care if out walking, carry a means of communication with you and don’t hesitate to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you find yourself, or anybody else, in difficulty.

‘Thank you also to our volunteers who respond without hesitation, whatever the day or occasion. On Mother’s Day, while many of our crew were about to sit down and enjoy lunch with loved ones, they drop everything to answer the call and help keep others safe.’

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.