Coastguard launch emergency rescue for woman cut off by rising tide while out litter picking in Fleetwood

A response was launched by coastguard teams from Fleetwood and Lytham after an emergency call made by the 'distressed' woman just after 9.30am this morning. (Sunday May 24)

The incident occurred on the coast line close to Chatsworth Avenue. The woman had been out on her daily litter picking exercise along the coastline when she was cut off by the tide.

She was discovered by volunteer rescuers nearly shoulder deep in water, 'very cold and tired.'

A spokesperson for the Coastguard said: "We received a 999 call from a distressed woman, a member of the public who had been cut off by the water just off Chatsworth Avenue.

"We launched two emergency boats from Fleetwood and Lytham who were able to assist in the rescue.

"On arrival the casualty was spotted and was nearly shoulder deep in water.

"Fleetwood officers quickly entered the sea to rescue the now very cold and tired casualty.

"The woman was treated by the North West Ambulance Service.

"It doesn't matter how local you are or how savvy, the sea can still catch you out."

The Coastguard teams are urging people to continue to check tide times and weather conditions before taking their daily exercise on the coast.

It follows a busy patrol by the Fleetwood coastguard volunteers on the Bank Holiday weekend who had been called to 'stricken vessels' yesterday.

The team were also forced to retrieve a number of life rings after a group of young girls were reported to have repeatedly been throwing the life saving equipment into the boating lake at Laidleys Walk.

Updating their HM Coastguard Fleetwood Facebook page one of the team posted: "We cannot stress the importance of leaving life saving equipment in place.

"They are not toys, It could be your life it saves one day!"

A spokesperson for the NW Coastguard added: "It is vital for members of the public to remember this equipment assists in saving lives and is there for people in an emergency situation.

"We endeavour to replace all missing equipment but would urge people to act responsibly and assist our teams in these matters."