Crowd watched elderly couple in distress at West Kirby Marine Lake but didn’t call 999

A crowd of people in West Kirby didn’t raise the alarm when they saw an elderly couple struggling waist-deep in water walking around the Marine Lake.

According to Wesk Kirby RNLI, they had been watched for some time by a significant crowd before off-duty West Kirby Lifeboatman Mike Warburton and RNLI Lifeguard Richard Webster arrived and saw what the crowd were observing.

They immediately phoned 999, informed the Coastguard of the situation and then without hesitation waded out to guide the couple ashore.

Once safely on dry land, they checked the couple were okay and informed the Coastguard of their safe return.

West Kirby RNLI gave the following advice to ensure the safe rescue of those in distress on West Kirby’s’s coastline:

Mike Warburton. Image Credit: West Kirby RNLI
  • If you see someone in difficulty on the beach or in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
  • You are never wrong to call.
  • If the water rises above the lake wall, turn back! Get off the wall! We appreciate it is now one way, but do not let this affect your safety.
  • Check the Tide Times before a walk around the West Kirby Marine Lake.

Mainmage Credit: West Kirby RNLI