West Kirby RNLI rescue two people cut off by rising tide

At 12.01pm on Saturday 14 November, the volunteer crew of West Kirby RNLI were tasked by HM Coastguard following reports of two people in difficulty between Little Eye and Middle Eye, having become cut off by the rapidly flooding tide.

With water already reaching their ankles, the casualties were in contact with the Coastguard and West Kirby RNLI, who guided them towards higher ground on the rocks between the islands. This allowed the pair to remain out of the rising water while the lifeboat crew made their way to them.

While the lifeboat was responding, HM Coastguard received a further report concerning a third individual on Little Eye. The individual, who had also raised the alarm about the original two casualties, had managed to make their way back to shore. Both Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team (WCRT) and the lifeboat crew subsequently made contact with the individual and confirmed they were safe and well.

Meanwhile, West Kirby's D class lifeboat, Leonard Pownall, located and reached the two original casualties, and brought them safely back to shore, with neither requiring medical attention. WCRT then met the individuals and provided safety advice.

Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority, said:

‘This rescue highlights just how important it is to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you find yourself, or see somebody else, in difficulty at the coast.

‘Contacting the Coastguard directly through 999 is the quickest and most effective way to get help. It allows the Coastguard to assess the situation, dispatch the appropriate rescue resources and provide potentially lifesaving advice while help is on its way.

‘On this occasion, communication with the casualties meant we were able to guide them towards higher ground and away from the rising water, keeping them in a safer position until the lifeboat arrived. This bought valuable time for the lifeboat crew to respond, locate the casualties and prevented the situation from becoming more serious.

‘We would also remind anybody planning to visit the islands to always check the tide times before setting off and allow at least three hours before the next high tide to return to West Kirby. The water can rise and surround you much more quickly than you might expect. If in doubt, call 999 and get us out.’

RNLI Media Contacts

For further information, please contact:

Eve Kemp, West Kirby Lifeboat Press Officer, [email protected]

Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07977 728 315, [email protected]

Danielle Rush, RNLI Regional Communications Lead for Wales, West of England and Isle of Man, 07786 668829, [email protected]

RNLI Press Office, 01202 336789, [email protected]

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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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