Person spotted struggling in sea rescued near North Pier in Blackpool

Volunteers from RNLI Blackpool were called out after a person was spotted in difficulty in the sea near North Pier today (July 26).

Crews launched one D-class lifeboat at around 6.45am and were assisted by volunteers from HM Coastguard in Lytham and Fleetwood.

As they made their way to the scene police managed to rescue the casualty from the water and pass them into the care of paramedics.

A spokesman for RNLI Blackpool said: "A person was spotted in the sea near North Pier at 6.45am.

"One D-class launched but fortunately Blackpool Police helped the casualty to safety while the lifeboat was heading to the scene.

"Lytham Coastguard and Fleetwood Coastguard attended."

The incident adds to a busy week for lifeboat crews, with RNLI Blackpool volunteers being called out for the third time in three days.

Crews were called out on Saturday (July 25) following reports an injured dog and a group of people were stuck on a sand bank in Cleveleys.

One Atlantic 85-class lifeboat was launched at around 7.05pm but the group managed to make it to safety before the lifeboat arrived.

At around 8am on Friday (July 24) volunteers rushed to Central Pier following reports a person was possibly in trouble in the water.

Two D-class lifeboats were launched and a search was carried out between Bispham and Starr Gate, but the missing person was found by police and the rescue was called off at 10am.

A spokesman for Fleetwood Coastguard said: "After a lengthy search of the coastline, sea and all piers, we had a call from our control room that the missing person had been found safe and well inland.

"If you see someone in distress on the coastline, don’t hesitate. Call 999 and ask for the coastguard."