A lifeboat raced to save a 77-year-old man who had fallen off the side of his friend's boat.
West Kirby RNLI said they were alerted by the coast guard at 1.19pm yesterday after reports an elderly man had fallen overboard and was clinging to the side of a yacht
He was reported to have clung on to a ladder, but due to the strong current, couldn't haul himself back on board.
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The owner of the yacht, which was anchored near West Kirby Sailing Club, was also unable to haul his friend back on deck and so had to secure him to the stern until help arrived.
After the crew reached the casualty, they were able to pull him out of the tide.
The RNLI said the man had been immersed in the icy water for 15 minutes and after a medical assessment an ambulance was called.
A spokesperson on the West Kirby RNLI Facebook page said: "Whilst it is a sunny day, current sea temperatures in the River are 8 degrees C. Exhaustion times (in moving water) are significantly less than 30 minutes for an average person at this temperature."
Speaking following the call out, Richard Diamond, West Kirby RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: "Fantastic team work by West Kirby RNLI, North West Ambulance service and local HM Coastguard teams who were all involved in providing quick assistance due to the severity of the water temperature.
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"Never hesitate to make a quick call for assistance as individuals who are exposed to extreme cold temperatures run the risk of hypothermia.
"Today’s incident could have had a more troubling outcome but for the quick thinking of the yacht owner.
"Dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you believe that you or an individual are in danger."
