Man getting stuck in quicksand at Crosby highlights the dangers of our coastline

WITH a rise in incidents to people cut off by the tide and stuck in mud all along the Merseyside coastline, the Merseyside Water Safety Forum are again reminding people heading to the area, to be mindful of the terrain, and take precautions to avoid getting into trouble. Already this year, a particular mud hotspot is both Crosby and Hightown beaches, both in Sefton. The most common issue is from Tourists often go to take photos of the iconic Antony Gormley's Another Place, aka:- 'Iron Men' statues, between Crosby Beach and Hall Road.

A good example of this was photograph above, taken by Stephen Carrigan, 10 August 2022, at around 2pm. He spotted from the path that a male had got stuck in the quicksand, on the coastal path side of Hall Road, Crosby. Luckily, a younger male, who had seen him go out, raced into the gloop and managed to pulled the man back to firm sand. Stephen, who witnessed the incident unfold told us that the young man who rescued the person was a:- "true hero" and added that:- "I want to get the message out that this stretch of coastline is extremely dangerous. People should always read the warning signs, but more often or not, they don't. This chap was lucky, but the next might not be as lucky."

Despite new waning signs, the Sefton Council, who run that section are again looking at ways to address the problem and ensure people are aware of the risks. They are calling on those out and about to take heed of lifesaving advice and the posters and signs, warning of the coastlines many hidden dangers.

We would also like to remind our readers to take precautions when visiting the coast. If you spot anyone in trouble, please follow the advice of RNLI and Call:- 999 or 112 and ask for Coastguard.

If on the Merseyside Coastline, please ask the RNLI Lifeguards North West for advice, before heading out.

Beach safety advice from the RNLI:-

1. Float to Live. If you find yourself struggling in the water, or if you fall in unexpectedly, you should Float to Live.

2. Choose a lifeguarded beach. In 2021, RNLI lifeguards aided over 40,000 people on the beach.

3. Know the risks and what to do. Check the tide times and notice warning you about other dangers, like quicksand.

4. Call:- 999 or 112, in an emergency, and ask for Coastguard.

5. Know your flags.

See:- RNLI.Org/Safety/Beach-Safety for more advice on how to keep safe when visiting the coastline.

If you become stuck in mud / quicksand:-

1. Try to spread your weight as evenly as possible across the surface.

2. Avoid moving and stay as calm as you can.

3. Discourage other people from attempting to rescue you, since without the proper equipment they could become stuck too.

4. If you have a mobile phone, call:- 999, and ask for the Coastguard. If you don’t, shout for help.

See:- CoastguardSafety.Campaign.Gov.UK for more advice on this topic.

Did you know that the Merseyside Water Safety Forum is made up of representatives including:- Southport Lifeboat, the RNLI, HM Coastguard, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Services, Sefton Council and other Local Authorities along the Merseyside coastline?

"You all saved my life - thank you."

SIMON Tinsley from Halsall praises Ambulance crews and quick thinking wife for saving his life after he suffered cardiac arrest. On the morning of 15 March 2022, Simon became seriously unwell, instigating a call to 999 by his wife, Claudine. On calling emergency services, Claudine was helped by an emergency call handler who advised her to ensure Simon's airways were clear and to keep him responsive until the Ambulance crew arrived. Paramedic Gordon from North West Ambulance Service arrived shortly after as Simon's condition deteriorated and went into cardiac arrest. Gordon worked with Claudine instructing her to give CPR whilst he set up the defibrillator and ventilation. After the 1st shock, Simon regained a regular heart rhythm and consciousness and was taken to Broadgreen Hospital where he had an internal defibrillator fitted. Claudine's CPR efforts, with the support of Gordon helped to save Simon's life, all while trying to calm their distressed 14 year old daughter who was present at the time.

Simon talks about the impact Gordon, his wife and the rest of his colleagues have had on his life. He said:- "I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to Gordon. Some people may say he was just doing his job, but as an ex-emergency worker myself, his effort and professionalism was very much appreciated. I want to also thank the rest of the team including the Ambulance crew, including Paramedic Ronald Brookfield, who took me to Hospital on that day, as well as the call handler who calmly dealt with my wife on the phone, giving her advice and reassurance. My wife has no formal medical training apart from a one-day 1st aid course a few years ago. She gave me effective CPR whilst also trying to reassure our daughter who was upset and distressed at what was unfolding in front of her. Thank you so much. I'm really keen to help share the message that knowing CPR is a skill we all should have; I'm living proof that early intervention saves lives."