Two dog walkers rescued on Leasowe Beach by Hoylake RNLI hovercraft
Two dog walkers rescued on Leasowe Beach by Hoylake RNLI hovercraft
Lifeboats News Release
Hoylake RNLI hovercraft was requested to launch by the UK Coastguard at 1.15pm on Saturday 28 January to reports of two dog walkers cut off by the incoming tide on Leasowe Beach.
Hoylake RNLI
Hoylake RNLI hovercraft crew located the dog walkers cut off by the tide on Leasowe Beach
The hovercraft Hurley Spirit and her volunteer crew launched and headed to the casualties’ reported location between Barber’s Folly and Leasowe Lighthouse. The Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team had also been tasked.
The two casualties and their dog were soon located and were cut off from the sea wall by the rapidly filling gutter. They were assisted on board the RNLI hovercraft and after a quick check to ensure they required no medical assistance - and a dog treat for their canine companion - the casualties were flown ashore to Meols and passed to Coastguard officers.
Hoylake RNLI Coxswain Howie Owen said: ‘The tide around the Wirral coast can flood in very quickly and it's not uncommon for people out walking to find themselves cut off unexpectedly. If the alarm hadn’t been raised in good time, the casualties and their dog would have been in greater danger with the beach around them soon covered by the tide.’
Howie added: ‘The RNLI launches to hundreds of incidents each year with people cut off by the tide. If you're heading out across the beach, always check the weather forecast, tide times and local safety signage, keep an eye on your surroundings, and know your route to safety. Always carry a means of calling for help and if you get into difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact
Dan Whiteley, Lifeboat Press Officer on 07799 851 316 or email [email protected]
Claire Elshaw, RNLI Regional Media Officer on 07468 353 082 or email [email protected]
RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789
Hoylake RNLI
The RNLI urges beachgoers to check the tide times and weather forecasts before heading out
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.
