Praise for workman who helped save woman trapped by rising tide in Morecambe

Monday, 7 March 2022 19:06

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Morecambe lifeboat crew have warned people to be careful of the fast onrushing tide.

A workman who helped rescue a woman who was cut off by the tide has been praised for his quick-thinking.

An eye-witness, who asked not to be named, told Beyond Radio that the council worker helped the woman scramble onto rocks to escape rising water near the Battery.

Meanwhile, Morecambe lifeboat crew warned people to be careful of the fast onrushing Bay tide which they said can "turn a grand day out into a horror story".

The eye-witness called for help on Thursday morning after seeing the woman walk onto the beach and, before she realised what was happening, quickly become surrounded by water.

"She was about six feet from the rocks," she said.

"She probably thought she was safe and didn't realise how dangerous it was.

"It all happened in the space of less than a minute. She was cut off, surrounded by water. It was coming in so fast, it soon went from ankle-deep to knee-deep.

"I phoned the coastguard to get the lifeboat to come out and I thought I'll see if anyone else is about who can help.

"At the top of the slipway there was a council worker. He climbed down the rocks. He was so patient and kind as he helped her, he pulled her by the hand and supported her, as he helped her onto the rocks."

A spokesperson for Morecambe RNLI said they had three call-outs over the weekend that were due to people being cut off by a fast incoming tide.

"Morecambe Bay tide is fast, if you're out on the sands and enjoying the beautiful surroundings when the tide starts flooding you will not out run it," said the spokesperson.

"The tide will sweep around you and what became of a rather grand day out suddenly turns into a horror story. The thought you may not see loved ones again will start to sweep through you.

"Lives have been lost in the past and here at Morecambe RNLI we do everything we can to save lives at sea.

"The tide fills twice a day and can rush in at nine knots or the speed of a good horse. It starts to flood three hours before high tide and the tidal bore about two hours.

"Our volunteer crews, no matter what time of day or night, drop their families, friends, beds, meals etc to attend and launch their respective craft. They duly stand by what they volunteer for in saving lives. This weekend was no exception.

"As we approach the warmer months and visitor numbers increase we ask that tide times are checked before walking out on the sands. They can be found online or booklets available to be purchased at local shops.

"Stay safe when out on the sands."