A walker was rescued after getting stuck waist-deep in thick mud at West Kirby on Bank Holiday Monday.
The Hoylake RNLI hovercraft ‘Hurley Spirit’ was tasked to the incident by the Coastguard at 1.44pm. The female casualty had been stranded in mud at the south end of the Marine Lake for some time before the alarm was raised.
The RNLI hovercraft and her volunteer crew launched and headed to the scene. Wirral and Flint Coastguard Rescue Team, Merseyside Police and the North West Ambulance Service were also scrambled.
On arrival, they found the casualty firmly stuck in a channel of shallow water and unable to reach the shore across the hazardous terrain.
Crews deployed mud boards and mats around her to provide them all with a solid surface.
She was assessed but required no urgent treatment and was flown ashore to Sandy Lane Slipway, where she was passed to the care of the Coastguard and ambulance service.
Hoylake RNLI Second Coxswain and hovercraft commander Tony Warburton said: “Our crew were glad we could assist the casualty to safety after she got into difficulty in thick mud, which is common to beaches all around the Merseyside coast.
“With more good weather on the way, we’re expecting many more people to head to the coast over half-term and would always advise visiting a lifeguarded beach, checking the weather forecast and tide times, and looking out for local safety signage.
“If you get stuck in mud, try and retrace your steps to safety or spread your weight as evenly as you can. Avoid moving, stay calm, and discourage others from trying to help as they may get stuck themselves. Instead, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, who will send trained and equipped emergency services to help.”
