AN elderly lady had an 'exceptionally lucky escape' after almost getting stranded by the high tide in West Kirby today.

Coastguard rescue officers rushed to help 30 people in danger walking along the path of West Kirby Marine Lake with the high tide fast approaching shortly before midday.

Eight people, including children, had to be guided through the water by emergency crews wearing protective rescue gear as the water was up to their ankles.

The rest managed to make it off safely.

With the water still quickly rising by the minute and with the pathway now fully submerged, coastguard rescue officers rushed to the aid of an elderly lady who was struggling in knee deep water and in need of assistance.

The team managed to get her to safety.

Wirral Globe:

Coastguard rescue officers helped an elderly lady struggling to escape the rising tide Picture: Peter Lovatt

 

Michael Buratti, station officer for Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team, said: “We urge people to plan ahead before visiting the coast, check tide times, be aware of their surroundings and not take risks.

"Despite the warnings from an off duty lifeguard and other members of the public not to walk around the path due to the higher than normal incoming tide, people decided to go against advice and ended up in real trouble trying to walk along a path that was under water.

"Luckily the Coastguard Rescue Team were in the area having attended an incident and managed to rescue one lady, who had an exceptionally lucky escape, and guide another eight people to safety.

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Wirral Globe:

The high tide left walkers struggling as the pathway was fully submerged under one metre of water

" As a rough guide, the Marine Lake pathway in West Kirby will cover at approximately a nine metre tide depending on the weather conditions.

"Today’s tide height was just under 10 metres and by the time the team was leaving the scene, the pathway was under approximately one metre of water. If you get into trouble on the coast or see someone in difficulty, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

"Thank you to local photographers Peter Lovatt and Alan Jenkins who have allowed their photographs to be used to show how dangerous this situation was and to enable us to raise awareness."