Up to 20 teenagers were rescued from rough waters off the Lancashire coast after becoming stranded far from the shoreline near Fleetwood. According to HM Coastguard, the group required emergency assistance on Friday evening after getting caught in turbulent sea conditions a significant distance out from the sea wall. Rescue teams were dispatched to the scene and successfully brought the youngsters to safety.
Tethered Snatch Rescue and Throw Bag Used
During the challenging rescue operation, a coastguard officer entered the water and carried out a tethered snatch rescue, bringing two of the children safely back to shore. A throw bag was also used to assist a third teenager in reaching safety. Three of the youngsters were taken to hospital after swallowing seawater, while the rest of the group were able to make their way back to the shoreline without further assistance.
Coastguard Highlights Rapidly Changing Sea Conditions
HM Coastguard Fleetwood shared on social media: "Last night, whilst out on patrol, one of our Coastguard Rescue Officers spotted a number of children in the sea a significant distance out from the sea wall and in difficulty at Bispham. We immediately made our way to the area and found around 15–20 teenagers in the sea. Whilst some were already managing to get themselves out of the water, several were still clearly struggling."
"One of our Coastguard Rescue Officers entered the water and carried out a tethered snatch rescue, bringing back two casualties before then using a throw bag to bring another safely back to the steps. With choppy waves breaking against the sea defences, this was a challenging rescue. It was clear the group had been caught out by the rough sea and strong tidal currents, making it far more dangerous than they had anticipated."
Three Hospitalised, Rescuer Assessed
"Three of the teenagers were taken to hospital for further checks after ingesting seawater, and our water rescuer was also assessed by an attending paramedic as a matter of procedure due to entering the water, wearing only the minimum PPE necessary for the rescue."
Previous Day's Incident Contrasts Sharply
The Coastguard added that only the day before they were called to exactly the same location at almost the same time, following concerns for teenagers in the sea. "What really stands out is that we were called to exactly the same location at almost the same time the day before, following concerns for teenagers in the sea. On that occasion, we found them in shallow, flat calm water. They were behaving sensibly, understood the local conditions and knew exactly what they needed to do to stay safe."
"What a difference a day makes. The sea can change incredibly quickly. Conditions that appear safe one day can become extremely hazardous the next, and it doesn't take much for someone to get into serious difficulty."
Water Safety Message Emphasised
"Only a couple of weeks ago we delivered a water safety presentation to all year groups at Fleetwood High School, and we know several other local schools have also received similar visits from emergency services. We sincerely hope those important safety messages are being listened to."
"We're pleased that everyone was brought safely ashore, and we hope those involved have gone home with a greater appreciation of just how unforgiving the sea can be. The last time we conducted such a rescue only a few weeks ago the outcome was much less positive with one life lost and another severely ill."
"If you're planning to enter the sea this summer, please respect the conditions, be aware of the tides and currents, and remember that the sea doesn't always give you a second chance."
Thanks also to HMCG Lytham who were also out on patrol and came North to support us and extra thanks to the paramedic for checking on Fwd4.
