…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
A mother, Leigh Woolliscroft, along with her nine-year-old daughter and a friend, found themselves in a dangerous situation when they were cut off by the tide while walking their dogs on the beach.
Realizing they were becoming trapped by the water, they attempted to head back to shore but soon discovered they were in a spot where the tide comes in from three different directions, leaving them stranded.
The situation became a race against time for the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) to rescue them.
Jet skier Alan Bates, along with two kayakers, came to their aid as volunteers from the RNLI launched their lifeboat.
They helped keep Leigh’s daughter afloat while providing buoyancy to Leigh and her friend.
Images captured from the lifeboat showed the terrified trio and their dog being assisted into the lifeboat before being brought back to the shore in Fleetwood, Lancashire.
During their ordeal, Leigh and her friend were in a state of panic, while her daughter was understandably terrified.
Leigh, who is from Clayton le Moors, Lancashire, expressed her gratitude to the RNLI, saying she didn’t fully comprehend their role until she needed their help.
She thanked the rescue team from the bottom of her heart and praised their fantastic efforts.
She also highlighted the fact that they are volunteers, emphasizing their selflessness and dedication.
Leigh’s daughter received a check-up at the hospital but was later discharged, with Leigh acknowledging that the outcome could have been much worse.
Captain David Eccles, lifeboat operations manager at Fleetwood RNLI, commended the rescue as “amazing” and expressed his gratitude to Alan for saving the lives of the stranded individuals.
He emphasized the crucial role played by Coastwatch volunteers, who provided early information that enabled the RNLI to assist the family in a timely manner.
The intervention of the members of the public, including Alan, was vital and greatly contributed to the success of the rescue operation.
Captain Eccles urged the public to check tide times before venturing out onto the sandbanks, as this incident marked the second rescue in a week at the same location.