Man rescued after getting stuck '˜up to his neck' in sea

Blackpool’s RNLI volunteers were called out at 5.30pm tonight when a man was spotted in the sea opposite Coral Island. The man was up to his neck in water and was in need of urgent assistance.

One of the charity’s D class lifeboats launched and reached the casualty within minutes. The volunteer lifeboat crew helped him into the lifeboat and returned him to shore where he was warmed up and checked over by a waiting ambulance.

Blackpool RNLI spokesperson Ian Butter said: “The casualty we assisted this evening was very lucky, if our volunteers hadn’t reached him as quickly as they did the outcome could have been very different.”

Volunteer lifeboat operations manager, Keith Horrocks, added: “As summer approaches this incident serves as a timely reminder to visitors and locals alike. The beach is a fantastic place to spend time, especially when the weather is good, but please be mindful of the incoming tide and remain vigilant at all times. Remember to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if you spot any problems or you get into difficulty.”

It was the lifeboat’s second launch of the evening after the coastguard was called around 4.35pm following reports a man was struggling in the waters around Central Pier.

Blackpool’s lifeboat was launched and the crew retrieved the man from the sea.

The man, thought to be in his 40s or 50s, was transferred to an ambulance and was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for treatment.