Quick-thinking youngsters helped save a child who had got into difficulty off the West Cumbrian coast.
Emergency services, including the fire service, police, Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team, Workington RNLI, the ambulance service and Maryport Rescue were called out to Maryport at around 6,30pm today, Thursday August 1.
It is understood the child had become stuck in sand off Maryport’s North Pier.
Workington RNLI’s inshore lifeboat John F Mortimer was out on exercise at the time and was diverted to the incident by Belfast Coastguard.
Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team said: “Thankfully, quick thinking from onlookers ensured 999 was called to enable the Coastguard to initiate a response of rescue assets, whilst another onlooker threw a lifebuoy to stabilise and recover the casualty ashore as lifeboats arrived on scene.
“The actions of these people calling 999 for the Coastguard and throwing a lifebuoy, undoubtedly gave a positive outcome of this incident.
“With the current hot weather, we are seeing an increase in water related incidents, both here in Cumbria and also wider afield. Sadly, not all of these have had a positive outcome like this evening.”
