WITH the school summer holidays set to begin beach-goers are being urged to stay safe whilst enjoying the sunshine.

In a bid to cut the number of rescues, the RNLI and coastguard have launched a campaign urging people to put the safety of themselves and their families first by following beach key safety tips.

In all types of difficulty beachgoers may find themselves in on the coast, both agencies advise that the first thing to do is dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, who will send the right help for the situation.

Othe advice is to only swim at lifeguarded beaches between the red and yellow flags.

Emergency teams have already been involved with multiple mud rescues and walkers cut off by the tide, as well as boats and yachts stranded on the River Mersey.

Ian Thornton, New Brighton lifeboat operations manager said: "Knowing what to do by following RNLI and Coastguard advice can make all the difference.

"Our volunteer lifeboat crew have been tasked 31 times this year on a range of rescues including people stuck in mud during flooding tides and onboard boats with engine failure.

"In some of these cases, it was sheer luck that a passerby spotted someone in trouble and raised the alarm.

"In others it was because the casualties were able to phone the Coastguard that they were rescued in time.

"We can't stress enough that visitors to our coast always have a means of calling for help that they can reach if in trouble."

Although not intending to get wet when on Wirral beaches, walkers stuck in mud and those cut off by the tide, are among the common reasons for emergency rescue.

Michael Buratti, station officer for Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Our coastline is extremely attractive but it's not without its dangers. There are patches of mud around our beaches which may look like wet sand.

"You can easily get trapped in the mud which can be extremely frightening."

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The Coastguard team is also advising visitors to avoid soft mud patches altogether but that if stuck, to follow these steps:

  • Stay calm and try to spread your weight as evenly as possible across the surface
  • Avoid moving around too much
  • Discourage well-meaning members of the public from attempting to rescue you as they may get stuck too
  • Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
  • To avoid being cut off by fast incoming water when venturing out to sandbanks and islands, check the weather forecast and tide times before setting off. And make sure someone else knows where they are going and when they expect to be back.

Inflatables in the sea also cause concern for the water rescue teams.

Michael Buratti, station officer for Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team, continued: "Blow-up boats and toys are great fun in the swimming pool, but they’re best avoided at the seaside.

"These can easily drift out to sea and you may not notice until you're a long way from shore and out of your depth.

"If you find yourself being swept out to sea, stay with your inflatable and shout for help, waving your arms if possible.

"Don't try to swim for shore if you are out of your depth."