Parents alert after boys, 4 and 5, rescued from Wirral beauty spot

Jun 3 2009 by David Bartlett, Birkenhead News

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.

“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. You expect parents and carers to take care of their children.

Chief lifeguard Tony Jones said: “The boys were left unattended on a beach at the far side of the island.