Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team provide HM Coastguard's Search and Rescue capability for the Wirral Peninsula, the River Dee and River Mersey included.

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team provide HM Coastguard's Search and Rescue capability for the community of Wirral and surrounding areas.

☎️ Emergency at the coast, Dial 9️⃣9️⃣9️⃣ and ask for the Coastguard!

‼️ INCIDENT ‼️1️⃣3️⃣6️⃣ of 2026Team was called yesterday evening following concerns for a person who had been at the tid...
01/06/2026

‼️ INCIDENT ‼️

1️⃣3️⃣6️⃣ of 2026

Team was called yesterday evening following concerns for a person who had been at the tideline around 500 metres out on Hoylake Beach for some time, with an incoming tide.

On arrival, the team liaised with the informant and obtained the person's location.

Three Coastguard Rescue Officers, equipped with appropriate PPE, made their way out to the individual to ensure they were safe and well. On making contact, officers confirmed the person was local and had already begun making their way back to shore.

The informant did exactly the right thing by calling the Coastguard. From the shoreline, it can be very difficult to determine a person's intentions, particularly when they are some distance away at the water's edge.

A big thank you to our colleagues at RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station for providing access to their station and viewing platform, which gave us a better vantage point to monitor the situation.

As always, we'd much rather check on a concern and find everything is okay than have a situation develop into something more serious. If you're concerned about someone at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

‼️ INCIDENTS ‼️1️⃣2️⃣9️⃣ – The team was called yesterday afternoon to assist RNLI Wirral Lifeguards with an emergency me...
30/05/2026

‼️ INCIDENTS ‼️

1️⃣2️⃣9️⃣ – The team was called yesterday afternoon to assist RNLI Wirral Lifeguards with an emergency medical incident on West Kirby Beach. West Kirby Lifeboat was also tasked.

1️⃣3️⃣0️⃣ – Whilst retrieving equipment from our vehicle at the West Kirby incident, a member of the public requested urgent assistance for a male who had got into difficulty while swimming in West Kirby Marine Lake. Medical assistance was provided alongside the lifeboat crew until the ambulance arrived. A cordon was put in place to protect the casualty's dignity and ensure emergency services could work safely. We thank members of the public for their cooperation while the incident was ongoing.

1️⃣3️⃣1️⃣ – Reports were received of seven people walking out to Hilbre Island and not returning. The tide was incoming and had already started to cut off the main island. RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat and RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station Hovercraft were tasked to search the area. Three Coastguard Rescue Officers were sent on foot towards the island to try and make contact with, or gain a visual of, the group.

Thankfully, after a multi-agency search, nobody was located in difficulty. Safety advice was given to several people on the beach regarding the incoming tide.

The first informant did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard when something didn't look right.

1️⃣3️⃣2️⃣ – While at the Hilbre Island incident, an immediate radio call came in regarding four children cut off by the incoming tide at Leasowe Lighthouse. Reports indicated that the children appeared to be panicked.

Several Coastguard Rescue Officers left the West Kirby incident and attended. RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat Station was also tasked. On arrival, Coastguard Rescue Officers brought the four children to safety and provided coastal safety advice.

1️⃣3️⃣3️⃣ – The team was then called to assist Merseyside Police with an incident at Woodside Ferry Terminal.

HM Coastguard Deputy Station Officer Paul Ambrose said:

"Yesterday evening, all three Wirral lifeboat stations were responding to different incidents at the same time, alongside Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service's marine rescue vessel, Marine Fire One, with our Coastguard team splitting to cover different areas across the Wirral coastline.

Thank you to the members of the public who have assisted by reporting these recent incidents.

The Coastguard and RNLI regularly train together, and weeks like this demonstrate just how valuable that training is. Thank you to all of our emergency service partners for their support during a particularly busy week."

‼️ INCIDENTS‼️It’s been a busy day for our volunteers, responding to multiple incidents across the Wirral coastline and ...
28/05/2026

‼️ INCIDENTS‼️

It’s been a busy day for our volunteers, responding to multiple incidents across the Wirral coastline and beyond.

1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣- 01:53 – Tasked to a large multi-agency search for a person reported in the water River Dee, Chester.

1️⃣2️⃣4️⃣ 17:37 – Called to assist RNLI Wirral Lifeguards with a medical incident at New Brighton.

1️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ 18:10 – Responded to reports of a person stuck knee-deep in mud at Leasowe. RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station Hovercraft was also tasked.

While en route to the mud incident, a second emergency call came into our Coastguard Operations Centre. Concerns were raised for four swimmers who had entered the water near Gun Site Car Park and were now completely out of sight. RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat Station was also tasked.

With two incidents unfolding simultaneously, the team split into two groups – one attending the mud rescue and the other heading to Gun Site.

Thankfully, local lifeguards successfully freed the casualty from the mud.

At Gun Site, Coastguard Rescue Officers searched the shoreline and were able to locate four figures in the water. Fortunately, all four swimmers were accounted for and safe – they had simply gone for a swim.

👏 We'd like to thank the first informant who did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard when they became concerned. We'd always rather check and find everyone safe than risk leaving a genuine emergency unattended.

1️⃣2️⃣7️⃣- Large group becoming cut off by the incoming tide off Harrison Drive. Safety advice given

1️⃣2️⃣8️⃣ 21:35 – Team called to reports of two people cut off by the tide on Hilbre Island. RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat was tasked and safely recovered both individuals back to waiting Coastguard Rescue Officers.

⚠️ If you're heading to the coast, always check tide times, be aware of your surroundings, and if you see someone in difficulty or are concerned for someone's safety, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

🛟Important Water Safety Message🛟New figures released today by the National Water Safety Forum show that 202 people accid...
27/05/2026

🛟Important Water Safety Message🛟

New figures released today by the National Water Safety Forum show that 202 people accidentally lost their lives in water-related incidents across the UK in 2025.

HM Coastguard Area Commander Michael Buratti said:

“We know that hot days like we are experiencing this week result in a surge in water-based activities. Sadly this week, several intended fun days out to open water spots have ended in tragedy.

If you are heading to the coast to enjoy the water, we would strongly encourage you to choose a lifeguarded beach and take time to understand the local risks by reading the safety signage.

I would also urge parents and carers to speak to children about the dangers of open water, and to maintain close supervision at all times, especially when they are entering or near the water.

If you see someone in trouble on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”

No one should drown.

Remember: Phone, Float, Throw

📞 PHONE- 999 and ask for the Coastguard if at the coast, or the Fire Service if inland water

🗣️ FLOAT- Tell the person to stay calm and float on their back

🛟 THROW- rescue equipment to help them float until emergency services arrive

Today, our Area Commander was interviewed on BBC Merseyside. You can listen again to the radio interview here 1 hour 8 minutes into the recording:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002wgfs

‼️INCIDENT‼️1️⃣2️⃣1️⃣ — Team paged at 18:58 following 999 calls reporting one person cut off by the tide on the sandbank...
26/05/2026

‼️INCIDENT‼️

1️⃣2️⃣1️⃣ — Team paged at 18:58 following 999 calls reporting one person cut off by the tide on the sandbank opposite Leasowe Lighthouse.

The team had just arrived on station for the weekly training evening.

Both rescue vehicles were immediately deployed and located one person stranded on the sandbank with the tide rapidly coming in.

Two Coastguard Rescue Officers kitted up in PPE ready for a potential sn**ch rescue if required. Officers then made contact with the casualty and safely walked them off the sandbank to safety.

👏 The first informant did exactly the right thing by calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard.

📍 IMPORTANT LOCATION INFORMATION

The beach opposite Leasowe Lighthouse and the Green Hut Café is a well-known area where people frequently become cut off by the tide.

⚠️ COASTAL SAFETY ADVICE ⚠️

‼️ Your safe route back can disappear very quickly as the tide comes in.

Please follow this essential safety advice:

✅ Always read and follow local safety signage
🌊 Check tide times before heading out (e.g. BBC Tide Tables)
⏰ Allow plenty of time to return safely
📱 Carry a means of calling for help
🏊🏼‍♂️ Never attempt to cross a flooding gully — it may be deeper and faster flowing than it appears
🚨 In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard

‼️ INCIDENTS – WATER RESCUES ‼️1️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ – Team called this evening to reports of a male in difficulty in the water near...
25/05/2026

‼️ INCIDENTS – WATER RESCUES ‼️

1️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ – Team called this evening to reports of a male in difficulty in the water near Leasowe Lighthouse. While en route, an update came over the radio confirming the casualty was thrashing around in the water and shouting for help.

On arrival, Coastguard Rescue Officers located the male struggling in the water with only his head visible above the surface. A Coastguard Rescue Officer immediately entered the water and carried out a sn**ch rescue, successfully reaching the casualty and bringing him safely back to shore.

🚨 Also tasked:
RNLI New Brighton Lifeboat Station
RNLI West Kirby Lifeboat

1️⃣1️⃣9️⃣ – Team called to reports of two young males approximately 500 metres offshore on a paddleboard, making no progress towards shore and not wearing lifejackets.

Coastguard Rescue Officers arrived on scene and located the original informant. From shore, officers could see both males had fallen from the paddleboard and were now in the water.

Location information was passed to New Brighton Lifeboat, who successfully recovered both casualties and brought them safely ashore alongside West Kirby Lifeboat.

1️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ – Earlier today, the team also assisted Wirral Lifeguards at West Kirby Marine Lake after a female suffered a fall. Coastguard Rescue Officers carried out a stretcher evacuation to transfer the casualty safely to a waiting ambulance.

🙏 Thanks to the first informants on these incidents for quickly calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard. Your actions helped get assistance on scene as quickly as possible.

👏 Thanks also goes to the local beach lifeguards for helping prevent many further incidents throughout the day, and to HM Coastguard Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre who dealt with a substantial number of incidents across their area of coverage today.

‼️ INCIDENT ‼️1️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ of 2026The team was called yesterday evening to several reports of red flares seen over the Rive...
25/05/2026

‼️ INCIDENT ‼️

1️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ of 2026

The team was called yesterday evening to several reports of red flares seen over the River Mersey near the Egremont area.

Coastguard Rescue Officers attended and carried out a visual search of the area.

Wirral Council CCTV Control Room also scanned the river and nearby beaches using CCTV coverage.

With nobody located in difficulty, it is believed the flares may have been fired further inland.

Thank you to the first informants for reporting the sightings.

🚨 Distress flares remain a vital way for people at sea to signal that a vessel or person is in serious danger. If you see a red distress flare, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard.

If possible, try to note the bearing (direction) and approximate distance of the flare, as this can help the Coastguard pinpoint the location of the person or vessel in need.

⚠️ Remember: It is a criminal offence to set off a distress flare unless there is a genuine emergency. Misuse of flares can lead to unnecessary call outs for Coastguard Rescue Teams and other emergency assets, and may put lives at risk.

Today we were back in the mud alongside Flint Coastguard Rescue Team and colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Servic...
24/05/2026

Today we were back in the mud alongside Flint Coastguard Rescue Team and colleagues from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service at West Kirby for a joint mud rescue training exercise.

Training regularly in challenging conditions helps prepare us for the realities of coastal rescues and ensures teams can work safely and effectively together when it matters most.

With the warm weather today, all those involved put in a fantastic effort spending hours in full PPE and rescue equipment in difficult conditions — great work by everyone involved 👏

A special well done to Coastguard Rescue Officer Sophie Elwell, who was officially signed off in Mud Operations by our Area Management Team during today’s training session 👏

No sooner had we returned to station to wash down all the equipment than the team were tasked to Incident 1️⃣1️⃣6️⃣ — a person stuck in mud on Crosby Beach.

A reminder of just how quickly training can become reality on our coastline.

Mud and soft sand can be extremely dangerous, especially with an incoming tide. If visiting the coast, always check tide times and avoid entering muddy areas.

☎️ In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

☀️ We couldn’t have asked for better weather this Bank Holiday weekend! With sunshine, warm temperatures, and beaches ex...
24/05/2026

☀️ We couldn’t have asked for better weather this Bank Holiday weekend! With sunshine, warm temperatures, and beaches expected to be busy, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy our beautiful coastline. 🌊🏖️

If you’re heading to the beach, please stay safe and keep an eye on those around you.

If you see anyone in difficulty at the coast ☎️ dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Many people don’t realise you can call 999 for the Coastguard.

HM Coastguard will then coordinate and task the appropriate emergency response, including Coastguard Rescue Teams, RNLI lifeboats, helicopters, and other emergency services.

RNLI Wirral Lifeguards are on duty until 18:00. If you’re planning on swimming or taking part in water activities, choose a lifeguarded beach and stay between the red and yellow flags.

🌊 Remember: if you find yourself struggling in the water,

Tilt your head back with your ears submerged, relax and try to control your breathing, use your hands to help you stay afloat.

Enjoy the fantastic weather, look after each other, and have a safe and enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend! ☀️

‼️ Mud Rescue ‼️📟 Incident 1️⃣1️⃣5️⃣ of 2026The team were called this evening alongside HM Coastguard Crosby following r...
20/05/2026

‼️ Mud Rescue ‼️

📟 Incident 1️⃣1️⃣5️⃣ of 2026

The team were called this evening alongside HM Coastguard Crosby following reports of one person and a dog stuck in mud at Leasowe Bay.

On arrival, the casualty was located knee-deep in mud and unable to free himself. Unable to call for assistance himself, he shouted to nearby members of the public for help. Thankfully, his shouts for help were heard and a 999 call was made to the Coastguard. Members of the public remained on scene to provide reassurance until help arrived.

Coastguard Rescue Officers used specialist mud rescue equipment to safely recover both the male and his dog from the mud. Once safely recovered, Coastguard used a basket stretcher to carry the male to the awaiting Ambulance Service for assessment. Family members later attended to collect the dog for a well-needed bath! 🐶🛁

The casualty was taken to hospital for a precautionary check.

RNLI Hoylake Lifeboat Station Hovercraft was requested to assist but was stood down before launch.

HM Coastguard Officer in Charge, Paul Ambrose said:

“The owner entered the mud after their dog became stuck. Unfortunately, once in difficulty, they were unable to get themselves back to safety. A big thank you goes to the members of the public who stayed on scene and provided reassurance until Coastguard arrived.

Please remember — if you see a person or animal stuck in mud, do not attempt a rescue yourself. Mud can be dangerous and conditions can change quickly. Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard

We wish both the dog and owner the very best after the ordeal"

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300 Meols Parade
Liverpool
CH477AU

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