Four people were plucked to safety after they were swept out to sea on paddle boards.
The alarm was raised by the UK Coastguard at 12:50pm after the paddle-boarders were caught out by an offshore wind and ebbing tide around 1.5 miles from Leasowe Lighthouse. Hoylake RNLI’s volunteer crew were hosting a fundraising car wash at the lifeboat station when they were notified of the incident.
They quickly launched the Inshore Rescue Hovercraft ‘Hurley Spirit’ and found the group who had rafted themselves together using their paddles and safety leashes. The four were deemed not to need any immediate medical attention and were flown to safety on the beach, where they were assisted by the Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team.
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Hoylake RNLI hovercraft commander Chris Williams said: “Paddle boarding has become hugely popular around our coast and although the casualties were caught out on this occasion by the wind and tide, they were wearing personal floatation devices, carrying mobile phones in waterproof pouches, and using their safety leashes.
“It’s lucky the alarm was raised in good time, as the conditions would have carried the group further out to sea.”
He added: “If you’re heading out on a paddle board, always check the weather forecast and tide times and tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Keep a way of calling for help attached to you in a waterproof pouch or your pocket at all times. Always wear a floatation device, keep your safety leash attached, and in an emergency dial 999 for the Coastguard.”
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