Beach closures help reduce car rescues
THE number of cars becoming stranded on Sefton’s beaches has plummeted since 185 had to be rescued in one year.
Early this month, the Visiter revealed how one group of unlucky friends spent hours after becoming stuck on Ainsdale Beach, with the car eventually being recovered the next day.
Danish Yousuf told how he spent his Saturday morning trying to dig his friend’s VW Passatt out of the sand before the tide rushed in.
The 24-year-old, who was a passenger in the car, said: “When we arrived at the beach it was still dark so we could not see the signs warning drivers about the sand and tide.
“We got stuck straight away.
“We started digging, but then we realised that the tide was coming in. We spent all morning calling for help – we phoned the emergency services and breakdown recovery companies.
“We were advised to move away from the car and wait for help to arrive.
“It cost about £450 to get the car off the beach and back to Manchester.”
But that example bucked the trend, as revealed in figures obtained by the Visiter.
The problem hit its peak in 2014, when 185 vehicles had to be recovered. The following year, that figure dropped to 49 and in 2016 it fell again to 34.
The situation has since improved significantly, through a combination of increased awareness and Sefton Council’s decision to close its beaches to vehicles during winter. Just two cars have become stuck so far this year, while only four did so last year and nine in 2017.
Two weeks ago Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service (MFRS), the Coastguard and Southport Lifeboat were despatched when a concerned beachgoer feared the van had been lost in the sea at Ainsdale Beach.
A council spokesman said: “We would always encourage all our beach
goers to respect our coastline, whether that be keeping it free from litter or making sure they stay safe from danger.
“Although it is a rare occurrence, motorists who ignore soft sand warnings may find themselves in difficulty.
“Recently a vehicle had to be privately recovered from Ainsdale Beach at great expensive to the driver, but the situation could have been much worse. There is a real risk of lives being put at stake when people ignore the dangers that high tides and soft sand can present.
“Vehicles also contain chemicals and oils which can cause pollution to our beautiful and protected coastline. Areas where vehicles are allowed on our beaches are clearly signposted in order to protect our coastline, which is one of the most ecologically important coastal sites in the country.
“Regardless of if you are in a vehicle or not, we would ask all visitors to adhere to the rules in order to keep themselves and others safe.
“If in doubt please see www.sefton.gov.uk/ beaches for more information and advice.”
Meanwhile Merseyside police say Ainsdale Beach is being treated a priority area in response to a series of complaints over cars driving dangerously.
The force said it repeatedly received reports of dangerous driving in the parking areas and has again warned it can seize any cars being used in an anti-social manner.
The beach is known to be used by groups racing on the sand or performing “doughnuts”, a manoeuvre which involves repeatedly spinning the vehicle.
A spokesman said: “We continue to receive reports regarding vehicles being driven dangerously within the confines of the designated parking area, which presents a danger to members of the public in the area.
“The coastline is a nature reserve and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and needs to be protected.”