With the warmer weather making an appearance over the last couple of weeks, many residents have been flocking to the local beaches to enjoy the sunshine.

Whilst you’re having fun on the beach it’s important to keep safe and look out for potential dangers.

The Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team have issued some advice for those heading to beaches on how to enjoy their time safely and avoid getting stuck in sinking mud.

A spokesperson from the Wirral Coastguard 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 incidents 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.”

The key areas that have been highlighted as hazardous by the team are: Leasowe Bay at the ends of the rock groynes, New Brighton Beach near the Black Pearl, The beach at south end of West Kirby Marine Lake, The River Dee anywhere below the high water mark especially around Thurstaston and anywhere on the banks of the River Mersey.

The spokesperson added: “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.”
 

If the terrain is getting too muddy, here’s what you should do:

Avoid getting further into difficulty. Retrace your steps back if you can and take an alternative route

If you do become stuck:

  •  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