Challenges lie ahead in 2021 for Lytham Coastguard as 2020 call-outs top average annual numbers

Lytham Coastguard was called out 242 times in 2020, an increase on the annual average of 170 between 2004 and 2019.

74 of the call-outs were for searches, and 42 were to assist someone in the water.

The team faced a variety of challenges as the coronavirus pandemic began in England, despite the decrease in visitors to the resort in the first National Lockdown.

Paul Little, 62, a retired BT manager from St Annes, and station officer at Blackpool and Lytham, explained how the pandemic had affected the Lytham Coastguard team, and what he expects to come in 2021.

"In April 2020, we responded to just four call-outs as the National Lockdown came in," Mr Little said.

"But then every month that number grew and grew back up to the usual monthly levels.

"We were called out to quite a lot of mental health incidents, which we're lucky to be helped with by a mental health team including a paramedic, two nurses and a police officer.

"We suspect as the second national lockdown commences to see more of these cases. I would say around 80 per cent of mental health call-outs are for local people.

"But we have also seen a decrease in alcohol-related cases since the pubs closed.

"The pandemic itself has been difficult for us, because we have to wear PPE which can feel quite claustrophobic sometimes, and it can be hard to keep a safe distance from people who need to be rescued or from other team volunteers.

"But we are constantly monitoring the situation to make sure nobody inadvertently wanders into our space."

Paul, who has volunteered with the Coastguard for 15 years, added that he thought there were a combination of reasons as to why the number of call-outs went up in 2020.

He continued: "More people are becoming aware of us and what we do, so they are calling for assistance sooner rather than later, which is good.

"Police are more understanding of what we do now as well, and we often help each other. We receive exactly the same training as police now so we can help them find missing people on foot inland if we need to as well.

"The police are so stretched now that sometimes they may just need extra resources, and we can support other agencies with our equipment too.

"There are 360 lifeboat stations in the country and Blackpool is in the top ten of the busiest.

"Lytham Coastguard is only a team of 10 people, and because of Covid restrictions the HQ tries not to task more than one team with each call-out unless it's absolutely necessary, to help prevent any potential spread of the virus between teams.

"If one team had to isolate, another would have to cover our area, which would take a team away from theirs."

Paul recalled his most memorable, and heartbreaking, incident of 2020 as the call-out his team received when two brothers went missing in the sea at St Annes.

Muhammad Azhar Shabbir, 18, and Ali Athar Shabbir, 16, from Dewsbury, were found drowned in the sea off the coast of St Annes by Paul and his colleague on August 16, after rescue teams were launched to find them the day before.

"That was definitely the most memorable call-out to me, because it was just such a rare occurrence," Paul said.

"We've had people drown in the sea at Blackpool, but for St Annes, and with it being two young boys, it was a big shock to everyone."

Going forward into 2021, Paul urged anyone who finds something unusual or suspicious on the beach, or sees someone in danger, never to hesitate to call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

"We've dealt with a few hoax calls, which is frustrating, but we would always rather be called out than not, especially if someone is in danger," he added.

Lytham coastguard is also looking for new recruits, and any "mobile and active" members of the public who could spare their time to volunteer should send an email to [email protected].