Blackpool and Fleetwood sea rescues soar

Lifesavers today urged people to be aware of the dangers of the sea after new figures revealed Blackpool RNLI crews carried out the most rescues in the north of England this summer.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Sep 2013, 07:59 BST

The resort’s lifeboat volunteers launched 62 times during June, July and August – an 18 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. The figures, released today, also show an increase in rescues off the coast of Fleetwood –from 12 last summer to 20.

Keith Horrocks, Blackpool RNLI operations manager, said: “I know people come to the beach to have a good time, but they need to be aware of the dangers the sea presents.”

This summer, crews have been called to deal with stranded swimmers, people threatening to jump from piers and boats which have drifted out to sea.

Even the opening ceremony for the station’s new boat, William and Eleanor, was cut short by an emergency call after a family was cut off by the tide.

FOR THE FULL STORY AND REACTION SEE THE GAZETTE AND THIS WEEK’S FLEETWOOD WEEKLY NEWS AND LYTHAM ST ANNES EXPRESS