AN incredible rescue effort saw 27 people and two dogs rescued after they were cut off on Hilbre Island in West Kirby this lunchtime.

The group included nine children with a number extremely cold and wet after playing in the water during today's sunny weather.

The coastguard was called at 12.15pm today, Saturday, with West Kirby Lifeboat quickly launched from the south side of West Kirby Marine Lake whilst Coastguard Rescue Officers set up a recovery and casualty care point at Dee Lane car park.

A spokesman added: "West Kirby Lifeboat made multiple trips to Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre Island to rescue people who were completely unaware of the incoming tide, some of whom had been in the water and were extremely cold and wet.

"In total, the Lifeboat rescued 27 people consisting of 18 adults, 9 children and 2 dogs.

"All casualties were recovered to Dee Lane car park to awaiting Coastguard Rescue Officers and Lifeboat shore crew to be triaged and passed over to paramedics were necessary."

As some of the casualties had entered the water and were exceptionally cold and wet, North West Ambulance Service were requested to attend who mobilised rapid response vehicles, ambulances and the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

All casualties who required attention were checked over by paramedics and luckily no-one needed transferring to hospital.

A spokesman added: "This number of casualties is unusual for our team and we believe is a record for West Kirby Lifeboat.

"West Kirby Lifeboat Crew, Coastguard Rescue Officers and paramedics worked exceptionally well together at this incident and undoubtedly prevented serious injury."

The team added today’s tide was extremely high and cut off all three islands and completely covered the walkway around the marine lake.

Advice to anyone planning to go for a walk to the islands or are going to the coast is to check on the tide times before they set off.

If you see someone in trouble, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.