Man rescued from incoming tide in Leasowe Bay

Hoylake RNLI hovercraft was requested to launch by the UK Coastgaurd at around 11.30am following multiple 999 calls from concerned members of the public who had seen a person enter the water between Dovepoint in Meols and Leasowe Lighthouse.

The man, who had been out digging bait, was struggling to reach shore as the gullies across the beach filled with water.

With the tide still flooding, the RNLI hovercraft Hurley Spirit and its volunteer crew were launched and quickly headed to his reported location.

Hoylake RNLI hovercraft headed quickly to the scene as the tide was still flooding. Picture: Hoylake RNLI

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team was also tasked and a Coastguard Rescue Officer (CRO) had crossed the beach and entered the water to reach the casualty.

The hovercraft arrived on scene shortly after launching, where the RNLI crew found the man sat waist deep in water with the CRO.

Above: Concerned spectators watch the rescue and (below) RNLI hovercraft Hurley Spirit's crew makes its way to the scene. Pictures: Michael Buratti, Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team

He was brought on board the hovercraft and the crew carried out a medical assessment.

He was exhausted and suffering the effects of having been in the cold water, so the crew wrapped him in blankets to keep him warm.

Hoylake RNLI hovercraft crew carried out a medical assessment of the cold and exhausted casualty. Picture: RNLI

It was decided to bring the man ashore at Meols and after a short flight across the beach, the casualty and the CRO were landed by the steps in the sea wall.

The casualty was passed to the care of a North West Ambulance Service paramedic and Coastguard officers before being taken to hospital for further assessment. Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service were also in attendance.

The man had entered the water several times while attempting to reach the shore and (below) is brought back safely to shore. Pictures: RNLI

Hoylake RNLI hovercraft crew member Colin Gordon said: "The casualty had a very lucky escape. He was cold, exhausted and his condition was deteriorating quickly.

"As the flooding tide had cut him off completely from the shore, without assistance from the emergency services the outcome could have been very different.’

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team at the scene. Picture: Michael Buratti

"If you're heading out across the beach, we urge everyone to check tide times and heights, to stay aware of your surroundings, and to make sure you have a safe route to return to shore.

"It’s a good idea to tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back and to always carry a means of calling for help. In an emergency, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."