Hoylake hovercraft rescued two children cut off by the tide off the coast of Meols.
The incident happened shortly after 7pm on Friday 30 August.
The Hurley Spirit was launched and headed to the casualties’ reported location near to Barber’s Folly.
Arriving on scene, the crew found the two boys had been attempting to cross the rapidly filling tidal gutter to reach the nearby sea wall.
The team brought the two boys on board the hovercraft. After a check to make sure they needed no medical assistance, they were flown ashore and passed to the care of the coastguard.
Hovercraft commander James Whiteley said: “This incident highlights the real dangers around our coast, where fast flooding tides can quickly catch people out and cut them off from the shore.
“We hope everyone can enjoy a beach visit safely, but we urge everyone to check and understand tide times and heights, and be mindful that the lifeguards are now only on duty at the weekends, now that the summer holidays are over. If you’re heading out, know your route to safety and always carry a means of calling for help.
“Try and avoid entering the water and dial 999 for the Coastguard in an emergency. If you find yourself in difficulty in the water, don’t panic and float to live – stay calm, lean back and extend your arms and legs, and float until you can swim to safety or call for help.”
Photo credit: RNLI/David Edwards
