'My heart was in my mouth' - RNLI called out to child trespassers at Birnbeck Pier

The RNLI have given a stark warning to trespassers after two children were seen on the 'broken' and 'condemned' Birnbeck Pier.

Last night the Weston lifeboats crew, launched by the Deputy Launch Authority member James, were called out to the incident.

The Class D lifeboat was launched by the Weston-Super-Mare lifeguards and their Lifeboat Operations Manager, Chris, made his way to the shore side of the pier.

When the charity lifeboat reached where the two children were trespassing, they then made their way back across the walkway and back to shore.

The lifeboat remained nearby in case the trespassers accidentally fell through the rotten wooden boards, but luckily, they didn't.

In a statement, a spokesperson from the RNLI Weston Lifeboat Station said: "Thankfully the trespassers made shore in one piece where they were given appropriate words of advice.

"We wish to remind everyone just how dangerous the walkway, pier and its structures are in its current state.

"Chris Ware, Lifeboat Operarations Manager, said his heart was in his mouth watching the young teens on the walkway.

"One of the children slipped while avoiding a large hole, and it was pure luck they didn't end up in the water with a significant injury."

The Weston-super-Mare RNLI team say they hope to find out 'in the coming weeks' about action plans to make it safe again.

For more information about the RNLI, and how to call for help at sea, visit the Lifeboats website.

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