BRITS have been issued an urgent holiday warning after a woman was rescued at a popular beauty spot.
The woman became stuck in waist-deep thick mud while out for a walk in Marine Lake in Merseyside.
A RNLI hovercraft had to be dispatched to save her as she struggled at the beauty spot before 2pm on Bank Holiday Monday.
The woman was found to be "firmly stuck" in a channel of shallow water.
Cops, ambulances and coastguard rescue teams joined the hovercraft in the rescue.
The woman could not free herself and was unable to reach the shore through the "hazardous terrain".
It meant the hovercraft landed carefully alongside the casualty before deploying mud boards and mats around her to "provide them all with a solid surface".
After she was rescued, the woman was suffering from "shock and the effects of the cold mud" but did not require urgent medical treatment.
She was given reassurance from the RNLI crew and plenty of blankets to keep her warm" before being flown ashore on the hovercraft which landed at Sandy Lane Slipway.
Hovercraft commander Tony Warburton said he was "glad" to rescue to the woman but warned the public to be careful around thick mud, which is common to beaches around the Merseyside coast.
The Hoylake RNLI Second Coxswain and hovercraft command said: "Our crew were glad we could assist the casualty to safety after she got into difficulty in thick mud, which is common to beaches all around the Merseyside coast.
"With more good weather on the way, we’re expecting many more people to head to the coast over half-term and would always advise visiting a life-guarded beach, checking the weather forecast and tide times, and looking out for local safety signage.’
"If you get stuck in mud, try and retrace your steps to safety or spread your weight as evenly as you can.
"Avoid moving, stay calm, and discourage others from trying to help as they may get stuck themselves.
"Instead, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard, who will send trained and equipped emergency services to help."
