West Kirby RNLI rescue two people and an inflatable crocodile

At 2.03pm today, West Kirby RNLI volunteer crew were tasked following reports of two individuals wading in deep water near Middle Eye.

The D class lifeboat, Leonard Pownall, launched in under 10 minutes and began a sweep of the islands. Two individuals were located on Little Eye, five individuals and a dog on Middle Eye and six individuals, including an off-duty lifeguard, on Hilbre Island. All individuals confirmed they were safe, well and happy to remain on the islands until the tide was back out. Several also reported they hadn’t seen anyone in the water in the last 30-60 minutes.

While circling the north end of Hilbre Island, the crew encountered two paddleboarders and provided safety advice. A short time later, they spotted two individuals on an inflatable crocodile further round the island. The pair were initially reluctant to return to shore, but after receiving safety advice from the crew, including the dangers of using inflatables without lifejackets, especially in changing tides and winds, they agreed to be brought onto the boat. They were transported safely back to shore where they were met by Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team (WCRT) who offered further safety advice.

Meanwhile, WCRT confirmed they had a visual on two individuals wading towards Little Eye. A group of kayakers had also checked on them to offer assistance. By the time the lifeboat crew made contact, the pair were nearing Little Eye and confirmed they were content to remain there until the tide was back out.

With all individuals accounted for and confirmed safe and well, the lifeboat was stood down by HM Coastguard. The crew returned to Sandy Lane slipway for recovery before returning to the station.

Andy Brown, West Kirby RNLI Launch Authority said,

‘We know people want to make the most of the good weather and enjoy the water, which we encourage, however we urge people to do so safely. Inflatables like crocodiles or lilos can be risky at the coast, especially around the islands where rocks can puncture the inflatable, coupled with strong ebbing tides that can quickly pull you out to sea, miles from shore.

‘We always recommend wearing a lifejacket when out on the water and taking your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch, just in case you need help. If you do find yourself in difficulty, always call 999 and ask for the Coastguard straight away and help will be on the way.’

RNLI media contacts

For more information please contact Mim Mellors or Eve Kemp RNLI Volunteer Lifeboat Press Officers on [email protected] and [email protected] or 07702786966 and 07446888713.

Alternatively you can contact Claire Fitzpatrick-Smith, RNLI Regional Communications Manager on [email protected] or 07977 728 315, or the RNLI Press Office on [email protected] or 01202 336789.

Key facts about the RNLI

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 146,000 lives.

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