Parents are being urged to discuss seaside safety with their children after three youngsters were swept out to sea. The children were “caught out by the tide” in Blackpool, requiring the deployment of emergency services.
Lancashire Police thanked a “quick-thinking” member of the public who acted to bring the trio back to safety before emergency crews arrived on scene. A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “You may have seen a large emergency service presence close to North Pier yesterday. This was due to three youths being swept into the sea, having been caught out by the tide whilst on the steps to the beach.
“We would like to thank the passing member of the public, whose quick thinking and swift actions rescued the three youths to safety prior to beach patrol and coastguard arriving.
“We are pleased to say that all three children were checked over by both North West Ambulance Service and at hospital and were able to return home shortly afterwards.
“This is a reminder to exercise caution when you are near to the sea, especially at high tide as the waves can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous.
“For parents, if you are not with your children, please have knowledge of where they are so that instances like this can be avoided.”
HM Coastguard has a wealth of information advising the public on the best practice when visiting the beach, swimming in the sea or walking along the coast.
The organisation says that “there were 226 accidental fatalities around water in the UK in 2022.”
It adds that around 47% of accidental drownings occur among people who never intended to actually enter the water as they echo calls for parents to discuss safety with their children.
They said: “What you learn as a child often sticks with you for life, and this level of instinctive water safety needs to be instilled at a young age.
“It will help to inform them as they get older and help to keep them safe. They may even become parents themselves one day and do it for their children.
“Water safety is a far-reaching topic with lots of strands, as advice changes from month to month and where you are in the country.
“But, with almost 50% of all accidental drownings happening in the three summer months when families tend to flock to the beaches, it is crucial that children understand the dangers of water, so they can enjoy it safely.”