Just after 9am yesterday morning (22 July) West Kirby’s Inshore lifeboat was tasked to launch in response to reports of multiple groups cut off by the high tide.
The volunteer lifeboat crew were tasked this morning by the Coastguard to conduct a water search in response to reports of multiple groups of walkers who had been cut off by the tide.
West Kirby’s lifeboat crew aboard the ‘Seahorse’ launched from the south end slipway and quickly discovered a group of swimmers quite far from shore. After having checked in with the swimmers and been assured they did not require assistance, the crew headed out to check Little Eye and Middle Eye island as well as Hilbre.
Across all three islands multiple groups of walkers were found and the crew conducted welfare checks to ensure all groups had intended to be there and were suitably equipped to wait for the tide to go out again.
Having shared the relevant safety advice and checked all parties had enough fluids, a means of communication and knew what to do if they got into trouble, the rib headed back to shore.
Andy Brown, Deputy Launch Authority at West Kirby had spoken to BBC Radio Merseyside this morning and had shared some safety advice, warning people to be careful of accidental tide cut-offs in the area. He said,
The tides around the Wirral can move very fast and often people are on the beach enjoying the view, looking out to sea and don’t realise they’re being cut off from behind.
To avoid being cut off by the tide make sure to check tide times before heading out and whilst on the beach be aware of what the tide is doing, remembering it can come in very fast.
To find out more information about tidal cut-offs and how you can avoid them, you can go to: https://rnli.org/safety/know-the-risks/tides 
or the RNLI Press Office on 01202 336789.
Image Credit: David Edwards
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