Coastguard Highlights Tide Risks Around North Wirral Shellfish Beds

Wirral Coastguard Rescue Team has highlighted the risk of being cut off by the incoming tide while gathering shellfish on the North Wirral foreshore. The reminder followed a visit to the Coastguard station by two officers from the North Western Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NWIFCA), who were patrolling the Wirral coastline.

Why the Coastguard is raising this

The team said it has previously been called to incidents involving people cockling who became cut off by the tide. Its latest post is an awareness message, rather than a report of a new rescue.

The Coastguard described extensive sandbanks and mudflats along the North Wirral coast, where the incoming tide can quickly cut people off, sometimes a considerable distance from safety. The warning matters to anyone spending time on the foreshore, not just those gathering shellfish.

Shellfish gathering restrictions

The team also drew attention to restrictions affecting shellfish gathering on the North Wirral foreshore, referring to NWIFCA Byelaw 2. It explained that Coastguard Rescue Officers are not responsible for enforcing those restrictions and directed readers to NWIFCA for further information.

Gathering rules and tidal safety are separate considerations: permission to carry out an activity does not make the foreshore safe from the incoming tide.

Planning time on the coast

Check the tide times and the route back before going onto the foreshore. For a separate visit to Hilbre from West Kirby, use the crossing times for today when planning the walk; they are not a gathering permit or a timetable for other parts of the North Wirral coast. Our guide explains more about being cut off by the tide.

If someone is in difficulty on the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

Quick links: today’s Hilbre crossing window · all Wirral tide times · what to do if you’re cut off · more rescue reports.