Burnham-On-Sea Coastguards and BARB’s rescue hovercraft were called to Weston on Sunday afternoon (June 5th) following reports of several people in difficulty in beach mud.
The crews were called out at 4.20pm to assist Weston Coastguards with an incident in which two people were south of the Grand Pier with a swift-incoming tide at the time.
BARB’s Light Of Elizabeth hovercraft was launched to help the Coastguards, as pictured here.
The two people got back to the shoreline and were given safety advice.
Ian Jefferies, Burnham Coastguard Deputy Station Officer, said: “It was a hot afternoon and many people had walked out across the mud to try and reach the sea without realising they were putting themselves at risk.”
“We always advise people to not try and beat the tide by wading through the mud – they run the risk of getting into difficulty. Wait for the tide to come instead to have a safe paddle.”
“The incident was another strong example of multi-agency team working together.”
The Coastguards also used the Avon and Somerset Fire Rescue hovercraft Firefly at nearby Uphill beach to search for a further person who was reported to be in difficulty after walking out across the mud, but no-one was found.
