With a large tide of over 8.5m the casualty, who was an international student, was unaware of the tides in the area and became cut off during a walk. They managed to get themselves onto Middle Eye and did the right thing by immediately calling 999.
HM Coastguard requested West Kirby RNLI to launch their inshore lifeboat and with a slight sea chop and some wind, the volunteer lifeboat crew made up of Helm, Jamie Marston, and Crew Members Jon Hayes and Mike Hearty, made their way towards Middle Eye.
Using their local knowledge of that stretch of the water, combined with the big high tide, the crew used a channel between the marine lake wall and Tanskey Rocks, and arrived on scene by 11.48am.
Once on scene the crew completed a welfare assessment, with the casualty suffering from exposure to the cold, but otherwise doing OK. Using the same channel to get back to the station as efficiently as possible, the crew brought the casualty into the station where the shore crew were waiting on standby with a warm drink and the heaters on.
The Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team met the crew and casualty at the station and a further casualty care check was completed. West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority, Andy Brown said:
‘We are so pleased and thankful that as soon as this casualty realised they were in trouble, they phoned 999 and asked for the Coastguard.
‘This enabled our volunteer lifeboat crew to respond as quickly as possible and arrive on scene to locate the casualty in a short time. The casualty was very grateful to the crew and relieved to get back to the station to be able to warm up.
‘If you are heading to the coast for a walk, always check the weather and tides. With larger tides the water moves much faster and tidal cut off may occur more quickly.
‘It’s hard to imagine how walking can turn out to be a dangerous coastal activity, this is why it’s important to check the tide times before heading out, keep an eye on the incoming tide and leave enough time to return safely.
‘It’s also vital to always carry a means of calling for help, like this casualty – who thankfully we could rescue and bring them back safely. If you ever find yourself in difficulty at the coast, or spot someone else in danger, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.’
RNLI media contacts
For more information please contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager, on [email protected] or 07977 728 315 or alternatively you can contact the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.
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.
