Agencies issue safety advice for summer visitors to Sefton’s coast

Residents and visitors are urged to stay safe when out along Sefton’s coastline over the summer holidays.

Partner agencies across Merseyside have joined forces in a scheme to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour and deliberate fires on beaches, National Trust areas as well as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

Organisations involved include Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, Sefton Council, The National Trust, Sefton’s Coast and Countryside Rangers, HM Coastguard, RNLI lifeguards, British Transport Police and Natural England, along with councillors and parish councillors.

As part of the campaign, people are being offered the following advice on how to stay safe along the beach and in the water.

· Always check the tide times before setting out. Be aware they can change quickly.

· Ensure you don’t get trapped in deep mud in parts of the beaches.

· If using the water, be aware of hazards beneath the surface.

· Take a form of mobile communication that can be used on a water craft and in an emergency. Ensure it has plenty of battery life.

· Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be expected back.

Inspector for West Sefton Formby, Ainsdale and Hightown, Jim Atherton, said: “There are dedicated people from the partner agencies working together to keep people safe on the coast this summer.

“During school holidays and at weekends we would ask visitors to check on social media for updates on any car parking issues.

“I would also ask people to help prevent becoming a victim of theft by ensuring they look after their valuables on the beach and not to leave any valuable items on display in their cars.”

The scheme will also focus on keeping residents and visitors safe from fires along the coastline and protecting wildlife from deliberate fires.

Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Arson Officer, Graham Morgan, said: “People are urged not to light bonfires or barbecues on the beach, in the sand dunes or in woodland along the coast.

“We would also ask people to ensure they do not throw cigarette butts into grassland or woodland areas, as they can easily cause grass fires.

“Fires on grassland and woodland can spread easily causing a danger to people and to wildlife. We want people to enjoy their time on the coast this summer and to stay safe.”

Danny Jamson, senior coastal operations officer for HM Coastguard said: “We love our coast and want everyone else to enjoy it too. But equally, we want people to stay safe.

“Do check the tide times, be prepared, but most of all remember, if you get in trouble or see someone else having problems call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.”