Some of Wirral's most popular beaches have been identified as "mud hotspots" where venturing out can lead people into serious danger.
Wirral Coastguard and Rescue Team is warning people to be careful when heading into mud at coastal locations in Leasowe, New Brighton, West Kirby and Thurstaston as well as anywhere on the banks of the River Mersey.
The specialist mud rescue team says that while there are "hot spot" areas, people should take care at all coastal locations as mud "cannot be mapped" and is not "static"
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In a statement issued on Facebook a spokesperson for Wirral Coastguard and Rescue Team said: "You may not know but Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team is a specialist mud rescue team.
"We are trained to safely extract people from mud and always carry our mud rescue equipment on our vehicle. The correct route to getting our assistance is to dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
"We are aware through local press and social media of a number of incidences of people getting stuck in mud in the region recently (not just Wirral).
"The tides at the moment are such that large areas of Wirral’s beaches are exposed during the afternoons and evenings attracting more people onto those beaches.
"If you do venture out for any activity please be aware of your surroundings."
Wirral locations the coastguard advises people should be "wary" of include Leasowe Bay at the ends of the rock groynes and New Brighton Beach close to the Black Pearl.
The beach south of West Kirby Marine Lake has also been identified as a hotspot, as well as Thurstaston beach and anywhere below the high watermark at the River Dee and all other locations along the banks of the River Mersey.
The spokesperson said: "Most importantly remember that mud is not static.
"It cannot be mapped. It can move or be covered or exposed by sand, especially after stormy weather.
"Mud can be difficult to spot but if you do get into difficulty the key is to remain calm."
Wirral Coastguard and Rescue has also issued for advice for those finding themselves in muddy terrain, including to avoid getting into further difficult terrain by retracing your steps to find an alternative route.
If people do become stuck they should:
- Stay calm. Most entrapments are only knee depth
- Avoid moving too much. Agitating the sand and mud can liquify it and speed further entrapment
- Spread your weight by sitting down, this will stop you sinking further
- Discourage people from trying to rescue you as they may get stuck too
- Call 999 immediately if you have a mobile phone and ask for the Coastguard. Otherwise shout and wave your arms above your head to signal distress and attract attention.
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