Inflatable boat sparks emergency response at Formby Beach

Emergency services were called to Formby Beach today after reports that an inflatable boat had washed ashore.

Crosby Coastguard Rescue Team attended the scene alongside Southport Coastguard Rescue Team and the RNLI to investigate the incident.

Although it may appear to be abandoned equipment, incidents like this are always treated as a potential emergency. An unattended inflatable, paddleboard, kayak or other watersports equipment could indicate that someone is in difficulty in the water.

Coastguard teams carried out searches of the surrounding area to establish whether anyone was missing and to ensure there was no ongoing risk to life.

Thankfully, on this occasion, no one was found to be in need of assistance.

Help emergency services by labelling your watersports equipment

HM Coastguard is reminding anyone who uses paddleboards, kayaks, inflatables or other watersports equipment to order and attach FREE watersport labels.

These labels include your contact details, allowing Coastguard officers to quickly get in touch if your equipment is found washed ashore or drifting at sea. This can help avoid unnecessary large-scale search operations and establish much more quickly whether someone is actually in danger.

If you enjoy watersports, it’s a simple step that could save valuable emergency service time.

If you ever see someone in difficulty at the coast, dial 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard. They are the specialist emergency service for incidents around our coastline and can coordinate the quickest and most appropriate response.