RNLI safety plea after rise in call-outs across the North West
The number of lives saves has increased by a third in the past year
Last updated 21st Apr 2022
Volunteers at the RNLI are urging people to stay safe at the coast after a rise in the number of callouts.
The latest figures released today have revealed the number of lives saved by RNLI crews in Cumbria, Lancashire and the Wirral has increased by nearly 30 per cent.
In 2021 lifeboat crews from West Kirby to Silloth saved the lives of 22 people, compared with 17 the previous year.
RNLI Volunteer Andy Brown said "The more footfall we get to the coast, the busier we are. A lot of that is people deciding to come down and take on new sports, we've seen a lot more paddleboarding and open water swimming, for example.
"But also everything from that to coastal walking where the water can come in quickly and catch you out.
"It's about understanding the hidden dangers and knowing how to protect self protect yourself.
"We have RNLI lifeguards on beaches throughout the Northwest so look at where those beaches are and perhaps go there instead.
"The biggest thing is, if you're down there and you see someone in danger, or maybe yourself and you're not sure whether to make the call... if in doubt, get us out, call 999 and ask for the Coast Guard."
'Mayday call for donations'
Meanwhile, the RNLI have have issued a 'Mayday' call asking for donations to fund their lifesaving work.
With demand for its lifesaving services at a high and the continued popularity of staycations, the charity is urging the public to take part in the Mayday Mile, to raise essential funds to provide vital training and equipment to keep their lifesavers safe, while they risk their lives to save others.
Leah Hunt, a police officer from Birkenhead, will officially launch this year’s Mayday Mile fundraiser.
She is calling on people to support Mayday and raise funds for crews, such as those who helped to save her son Lewis, during an incident which took the life of her youngest boy Sam 10 years ago.
Sam Capper, aged 15, from Rock Ferry died in hospital after falling into the sea when a wave hit him in Llangennith, Swansea, in 2012.
His older brother Lewis, now 31, jumped in after Sam, a pupil at University Academy in Birkenhead, and held onto him before being rescued by an RAF rescue helicopter and Burry Port RNLI lifeboat.
Leah said "I’ve always lived on the Wirral peninsula and I can honestly say, until I needed them, I never really gave the RNLI a second thought.
"Before losing Sam, I now realise these people had never entered my mind, but were there for my family when I needed them most and to think that volunteers would risk their own safety for my family is just incredible and I am eternally grateful.
"This walk is certainly not about me, but about keeping Sam’s memory alive. On the 10th anniversary of his passing - it’s more important to me than ever to see his legacy live on in such a positive way.
"Although the tragedy of losing Sam will never go away, they gave me back my son Lewis and I will be forever in their debt for that. I’m really looking forward to walking the Wirral Coastal Path for Mayday and will be chatting with my grandchildren about the uncle they never got to meet."