Lifeboat crews in Morecambe have issued a stark warning after three separate rescues over the weekend, including a nine-year-old boy who became trapped in quicksand. The boy was rescued on Saturday afternoon after getting stuck in mud and a dangerous gully near the Stone Jetty. The RNLI launched a hovercraft to free him, advising the public to keep to designated beaches and avoid muddy areas.
Earlier on Saturday, two people were rescued after climbing onto the roof of a van to escape rising waters near Snatchems. Their vehicles had become submerged on a causeway between Overton and Sunderland Point. The car was almost completely underwater when crews arrived, and both individuals were brought safely to shore.
On Friday afternoon, a woman's car was also submerged in the same area. She had to abandon her vehicle and seek refuge on the roof of a van. Lifeboat crews reached her just in time, as the tide rose rapidly. The RNLI stressed the importance of checking tide times and heeding warning signs, as the causeway floods quickly.
Colin Midwinter, RNLI volunteer deputy launching authority, said: “We strongly advise people to comply with the warning signs and respect the water by checking the time and height of tide before venturing out onto the causeway. If caught, get as high above the water as you can, call for help, and wait to be rescued. Do not try to walk or swim to shore.”
The weekend also saw a search for a missing man along the River Lune in Lancaster, which was called off when he was found safe. The RNLI warned that recent heavy rain had increased debris in the river, making searches hazardous.
