Visiting the coast? Don’t become a stick-in-the-mud!

If you get stuck in mud by the coast, dial 999 and ask for Coastguard (Photo: stock image)

Visitors to the coast are being urged to take care to avoid the danger of drowning after becoming trapped in mud. 

There have been a recent series of incidents of people getting stuck by the sea and alongside open water, which have all ended safely with support from HM Coastguard and other emergency services. 

As well as the risk of sinking deep into the mud, there is the threat to life from being unable to escape rising tides. 

Mike Buratti, Coastguard area commander for North West England, said: "It's really great that the sun is out and people are flocking to our coasts, but we do urge people to take note of our safety messaging. 

"We've seen a spate of incidents across the country involving mud rescues; it is so easy to become trapped in sinking mud on the beach.  

"The area where the tide comes in and out can have many hidden pockets of mud. You won't necessarily see them until you're stuck.  

"So please take note of local warning signs and prepare. If the worst does happen, you can call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. 

"Our specialist trained mud teams know exactly what to do to get you to safety." 

Just during the seven days of 1-7 June there were nine reports to the Coastguard around the UK which were classified as people in mud. 

Coastguard teams are specially trained for mud rescues (Picture: stock image)

One incident happened in Cornwall on 2 June when a man who was trapped up to his knees in a tidal inlet with incoming waters getting closer. 

The alarm was raised at Tolcarne Creek, near Falmouth in Cornwall, at about 1pm, with Coastguard Rescue Teams sent to help from Falmouth and Portscatho. 

The RNLI's inshore and all-weather lifeboats were also despatched from Falmouth, and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service was alerted. 

Coastguards equipped with dry suits, lifejackets and a float threw a rope to the man who was lifted into the harbour master's boat and taken safe and well to dry land. 

Later on the same day at about 7.30pm, another man was rescued from mud, this time at Marine Lake, a recreational spot in Southport, Merseyside. 

With police unable to access the man, Southport and Crosby Coastguard Rescue Teams were sent. He was recovered and handed over to an ambulance crew. 

Don’t become a stick-in-the-mud. Follow our mud and quicksand safety tips and know what to do if the worst does happen. 


Mud and quicksand safety tips: 

  • Check the weather forecast and tide times before you leave home. 
  • Look out for and follow the advice on warning signs. 
  • Avoid crossing estuaries and walking through mud where there can be hidden channels of fast-flowing water. 
  • If you do get trapped, sit back to spread your weight evenly across the surface. 
  • Stop others from trying to help you, as they might get stuck too. 
  • If you get stuck, call 999 immediately and ask for the Coastguard. 

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