Boys rescued from Hilbre tide after mother goes shopping

Jun 3 2009 David Bartlett

PARENTS were warned to keep an eye on their children this week after two young boys had to be rescued from a Wirral beauty spot with “treacherous” tides.

The youngsters, aged four and five, were rescued from rising sea waters at Hilbre Island, off the coast at West Kirby, after their mother apparently left them alone on a beach to go shopping on Saturday.

Some members of the family were later found searching for the pair about half-a-mile away on the beach.

Hilbre Island is well known in the local area for its dangerous tide which rises quickly.

People are only allowed to cross the waters from West Kirby to Hilbre at two points in the day.

Cllr Jeff Green, who sits on the Hilbre Island nature reserve management committee, said: “It is absolutely treacherous. The tide runs through the gullies and can cut people off. It’s very dangerous.

“That’s why information is made clear about Hilbre Island. And it’s important that information is followed. I would implore people to always use safe routes when visiting Hilbre Island.

“Clearly young children should not be left unaccompanied on the island. You expect parents and carers to take care of their children.