Fleetwood, United Kingdom - July 25, 2024

A dramatic rescue unfolded on Fleetwood Beach when Carl Holden, 33, found himself stranded by the tide while walking his uncle's dog, Ringo on July 25. In a harrowing ordeal, Carl was forced to call 999 for the Coastguard as the water rapidly rose around him, threatening both his and Ringo's lives.

"I'd been walking with Ringo for about 15 minutes when I noticed the water flowing quickly and realized we were cut off," Carl recounted. "Within minutes, the water was up to my waist, and panic set in as I struggled to keep us both afloat."

As the situation grew dire, Carl followed the RNLI's advice, floating on his back to conserve energy while awaiting rescue. "I kept trying to lift Ringo up to give him a break," he recalled, describing the tense moments before the lifeboat arrived.

The Fleetwood RNLI launched their D-class inshore lifeboat swiftly to the scene, recovering Carl and Ringo from the water. Paramedics assessed their condition before handing them over to ambulance services, ensuring they received necessary medical attention.

Reflecting on the incident, Carl emphasized the importance of carrying a means of communication when near water. "If I hadn't had my phone to call for help, things could've ended differently," he noted gratefully.

Daryl Randles, RNLI Senior Station Technician, underscored the rapid tidal changes in Fleetwood and praised Carl's quick action in seeking assistance. "Carl's decision to call us immediately was crucial," he affirmed. "It's a reminder to everyone to carry a means of calling for help and to act swiftly in emergencies."

With summer holidays underway and beaches bustling with visitors, Carl's story serves as a poignant reminder of water safety measures. "I want to raise awareness and stress the importance of taking precautions," Carl shared. "I'm incredibly thankful to the RNLI volunteers who rescued us. They're heroes."