Night launch for Fleetwood RNLI saves person cut off by tide

The lifeboat launched at 9.40pm in calm, cloudy conditions and proceeded to the casualty’s location, which was marked from the shore by HM Coastguards from Fleetwood using their vehicle’s lights to give the crew a bearing from which to begin their search. The casualty was located approximately 400m off the boating lake and was returned to shore by 10.20pm.

Lizzie Dykes, Fleetwood RNLI Helm said: 'Our D class lifeboat is able to work in shallow waters, and because of that we were able to get the gentleman to safety before his situation became critical. The fast moving tide makes response time a vital factor in our mission to save lives.'

Tony Cowell, Launch Authority on duty that evening said: 'The darkness and Morecambe Bay’s notoriously fast-moving spring tides make a very dangerous combination, and it’s easy to become disoriented without even realising how much danger you’re in.

'Our crew’s superb response time meant that they were able to reach the casualty while the water was still only waist-deep, and we’d like to thank our Coastguard colleagues for their help in a successful rescue of this casualty.

'If you are heading to the coast you should check the tide times before your visit, and always carry a means of calling for help such as a mobile phone. If you ever find yourself, or see others in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.'

Notes to editors

• Fleetwood’s RNLI Inshore Lifeboat is named HARBET and is a D class boat.

• Fleetwood lifeboat station has been operating since 1859. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: http://fleetwoodlifeboat.org.uk/

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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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