Walker and Dogs Rescued from Rising Tide at wittering/">West Wittering
A walker and their two dogs faced a nightmare after being trapped by a fast-rising tide on a sandbar at West Wittering Beach.
Emergency Rescue Teams Race to Scene
HM Coastguard’s Selsey Rescue Team leapt into action after reports of a stranded walker caught in swiftly rising waters. Two RNLI lifeboats were scrambled – from Hayling Island and Selsey. Luckily, the Selsey crew were already nearby on training exercises.
The Hayling Island lifeboat arrived first and swiftly rescued the walker and dogs, bringing them safely back to shore.
Cold but Unharmed Thanks to Lightning Response
Back on dry land, Coastguard teams took over. Though shaken and cold from battling the tide, the walker was unharmed. Staff from West Wittering Estate kindly escorted them to a local café for a well-earned hot drink.
Coastguard Issues Urgent Warning on West Wittering Sandbars
- Sandbars stretch far out at low tide but vanish quickly as the sea swallows them.
- Strong currents make returning to shore dangerous or impossible once the tide turns.
- Always check tide times before heading out.
- Keep an eye on your route back to avoid getting cut off.
- Carry a mobile phone for emergencies.
If you or someone else gets stranded, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard immediately.
