A huge search and rescue operation was launched after a nine-year-old boy got into difficulties in 'choppy' and 'dangerous' water at Formby beach.
Coastguards, lifeboats, and police were called to the beach, which is a hugely popular destination for people living in Manchester and the rest of the North West, at 8pm last night (Saturday August 6). The rescue operation was launched following reports that the tide was coming in and a boy was 'up to his neck' in water.
Fortunately the boy was located and rescued from the water and did not need any further medical attention, Liverpool Echo reports.
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An HM Coastguard spokesperson said: "Southport lifeboat, a coastguard rescue team from Crosby and Southport, and the search and rescue helicopter were all tasked to a report of a young boy who was in the water at Formby. He was up to his neck in the water and although he could swim, the water was getting choppy and dangerous.
"He was located quite quickly and a member of the Southport coastguard team went into the water and got him out just as the lifeboat arrived at the scene. The search and rescue helicopter was stood down en route.
"The boy was taken back to the shoreline but didn't need any further medical attention. He was accompanied by an adult who raised the alarm."
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