Dog walker rescued after getting cut off by tide

A dog walker has been rescued after she became cut off by the rapidly rising tide.

It happened off Formby beach in Crosby, Merseyside, at about 07:30 GMT, said a Wirral Coastguard spokesperson.

They said the woman dialled 999 and a large-scale multi-agency search was launched. She was given "float to live" advice - involving relaxing and floating by tilting your head back in the water with your ears submerged - while help was on the way.

"With emergency services working together and searching for around two hours, the woman was finally found floating and swimming by New Brighton lifeboat and brought to shore," the spokesperson said.

The incident sparked a "complex search of land and water in foggy conditions", the spokesperson added.

This was carried out by Southport, Crosby and Wirral Coastguard, a Coastguard helicopter, and lifeboats from New Brighton and Southport, alongside Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Merseyside Police and North West Ambulance Service.

HM Coastguard area commander Michael Buratti thanked everyone involved in the rescue operation.

He said it was essential to check the weather forecast and local tide times before visiting the coastline and to understand how the tides work.

"If the tide is coming in, do not venture too far out on to the beach, as there is a real risk of becoming cut off," he warned.

Buratti urged visitors to "always take time to read local safety signage, which provides area-specific advice".

Those who find themselves in difficulty or see someone who needs help should call 999 and ask for HM Coastguard, he added.

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