HM Coastguard Crosby

23/10/2026

🚨 MEET YOUR COASTGUARD🚨

👋 This week, we’re getting to know Chad from HM Coastguard Crosby! From growing up across the Mersey in Wallasey to helping keep our coastline safe, Chad shares his story, some unusual incidents and what makes being part of Team Crosby so special.

🌊 Why did you join HM Coastguard?

I grew up on the opposite side of the river in Wallasey/Wirral. Although it’s a very different place to Crosby, we share one massive thing: the River Mersey itself.

Growing up, I understood the risks of the river and what could happen when things went wrong. Over the years, I saw and heard about incidents involving the Coastguard and our partners at the RNLI, with varied outcomes.

I joined to make a difference, serve my local and wider community, and hopefully help more people get home safely.

🚨 What is the most unusual incident you have attended?

I’ve been in the Coastguard for over a year and have already been involved in some strange incidents. Our team had a famous incident last Christmas involving a reindeer, which I sadly missed — although I’ll never forget hearing it over the radio! 🦌

The most unusual incident I’ve attended involved a casualty who had entered the River Mersey. Marine Fire One, Hoylake lifeboats and Rescue 336 were all tasked.

The casualty seemed to be treating it as a normal afternoon swim, b**r in hand, with their belongings left on the shore! Every time the lifeboat approached, they swam backwards away from it. At one point, they even climbed along a rope attached to a boat mooring and managed to get underneath a structure to avoid being caught.

They were living their best life — until they got too cold and finally allowed themselves onto the boat!

📟 What is the most unusual place you’ve been when your pager has gone off?

When you’re on call, your pager can go off at any moment, sometimes leaving you in some compromising situations!

I’ve often been cooking or plating up food and had to leave someone else to finish the job. Luckily, I’ve avoided the worst situations so far, but the most unusual place has been out on a run.

Thankfully, I wasn’t too far from home. I was near the canal and had to turn around and pick up the pace to get back quickly!

💪 What is the most challenging part of your role?

I’d say the most challenging part is how draining the role can be, both physically and mentally.

Incidents vary massively, from physically demanding mud rescues to situations where entering the water could involve strong currents or hidden dangers.

Some incidents are mentally exhausting too. You might respond after just two hours of sleep, then spend hours — or potentially days — searching. Other times, you’re supporting casualties who are distressed, emotional or injured and need your care.

Your energy can be drained in so many ways without you even realising. Balancing Coastguard duties with home life can also be challenging, and it’s easy to find yourself running on empty.

🏖️ Which local beach is your favourite and why?

Without being territorial, Crosby Beach has to be the best!

It’s such a diverse area with so much more to offer than just sand. There are the famous Iron Men, miles of beach and views across to the Wirral. In summer, there’s the Bus Yard and leisure centre, while heading the other way takes you towards Hightown, Formby and the sand dunes.

The beach and surrounding area have their risks, but if you enjoy it safely, there’s so much to see and experience.

🤝 What do you enjoy most about being a member of the team?

I absolutely adore our team. One of the best things about Crosby is that we treat it like one big family. We’re close, we get on brilliantly and nothing is ever too much trouble.

We go out together and enjoy ourselves, work hard and support each other through thick and thin. There isn’t a single member of the team I wouldn’t rely on in any situation.

🪢 What new skills have you learned as a CRO?

I’ve learned plenty of new skills that help with my Coastguard duties and will stay with me throughout life.

These include tying specialist knots, technical water and mud rescue skills, and life-saving skills such as our CERCC casualty care training. This is essential in helping us care for casualties before safely handing them over to the next level of care.

🏃 When you’re not working or serving as a CRO, what do you enjoy doing?

Outside the Coastguard, I have a few hobbies. Running is the big one! Since stopping football a few years ago, I’ve dedicated my time to training for half marathons, with the hope of completing a full marathon one day.

I’ve completed three half marathons over the past two years and plan to keep trying new races. I usually raise money for charity, and next time I’ll be fundraising for the Coastguard Association.

I also enjoy online gaming, reading and rock climbing, which I do with some of my fellow team members.

🔧 What do you do for a living?

I’m a Specialist Engineer for Openreach, where I’ve worked for seven years.

It’s a broad role that varies from day to day. I supervise and support our contract partners, help solve problems and check the safety and quality of their work. My duties include quality assurance checks, surveys and build management to make sure everything meets the required standards.

Working for Openreach has taken me all over the country, from towns and cities to some very rural locations. It gives me real pride knowing my work helps bring internet and services to people who might not otherwise have access to them.

💙💛 Thanks, Chad, for sharing your story!

From the challenges of rescue work to the camaraderie of Team Crosby, it’s great to hear what motivates our Coastguard Rescue Officers and what they get up to when the pager is quiet.

📍 HM Coastguard Crosby – serving our local coastline and community.

22/10/2026

🚨Stay safe at the Coast with this advice from the MCA Maritime and Coastguard Agency🚨

Storm Austen is set to bring disruptive wind and rain ⚠️

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind across parts of southern England and Wales for Friday 23 October.

Gusts could reach 50-60mph, and coastal and exposed areas could see 70mph or more.

Stay safe at the coast:

• Stay away from cliff edges as sudden gusts can cause you to lose balance

• Avoid standing directly beneath cliffs as rocks and debris can fall

• Keep back from the shoreline and look out for large breaking waves

Visit the HM Coastguard website for more advice on staying safe at the coast.

If you see someone in difficulty at the coast, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

20/10/2026

🌊 Monday Night Training – Mud Operations

📝Our newest recruits spent Monday night working alongside our SCOO, developing the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to achieve their Mud Operations sign-off.

🪏From getting to grips with the specialist equipment required to support our Mud Technicians during a mud rescue, to learning the safe and effective use of the winch, the session covered some vital skills that could one day make a real difference on our coastline.

🙋🏻‍♂️Mud rescue is a specialist discipline that demands the right equipment, teamwork, and a thorough understanding of the risks involved. Building that knowledge and confidence is an essential part of becoming an effective member of the team.

🚨Another step forward for our new recruits as they continue their journey with HM Coastguard Crosby! 💪

18/10/2026

🚁 HLS SET UP – JOE STONES PLAYING FIELDS

Last night, the HM Coastguard Crosby team was tasked to establish a Helicopter Landing Site (HLS) at Joe Stones Playing Fields to support the transfer of a casualty from the Isle of Man to Aintree Hospital.

It’s been a little while since our last HLS, so it was great to get back into the swing of things!

Setting up an HLS is about much more than finding a flat bit of ground. Our team checks the 6 Ss – Size, Shape, Surroundings, Surface, Slope and Security – before carrying out a thorough Foreign Object Debris (FOD) check to make sure the area is safe for the helicopter to land.

A big thanks to those who look after the playing fields(council and volunteers) – the pitch was absolutely immaculate, making our FOD check that little bit easier! 👏

And a special mention to Rescue 336 (R336) team. We don’t get these jobs every day, but it’s always good to put our training into practice, catchup with the helicopter crew and play our part in getting a casualty where they need to be.

17/10/2026

🌊 Cold water, teamwork and a well-earned pizza! 🍕

This weekend, the Crosby team and Southport team headed to Crosby Lakeside for water training, with the water sitting at a chilly 11°C — thankfully, the sun was shining! ☀️

We worked through a range of scenarios covering throw bagging, tethered swimming and raft rescues. A fun, cold and wet session, with plenty of teamwork and learning — just how we like it! 💪

On Saturday, back at the station, it was time for the clean-down before one of our CROs earned some serious brownie points by treating everyone to a pizza delivery. He can stay! 😂🍕

Overnight we also had a visit from our old friend SRG336 for an emergency transit requiring a HLS. We hope the patient gets better soon.

A huge thank you to Crosby Lakeside for their continued support and partnership. Working together helps us keep our skills sharp and be ready when our community needs us. And the CROs loved the lakeside breakfast on Sunday morning before training.

16/10/2026

⚓ MEET YOUR COASTGUARD ⚓

This week, we’re introducing Dom from HM Coastguard Crosby! 👋

With nearly 30 years in the maritime industry, a passion for helping others and a love of cycling, Dom brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the team.

From inspecting some of the world’s largest cruise ships to responding to emergencies along our coastline, here’s your chance to get to know Dom a little better! 🌊

❓ Why did you join HM Coastguard?

For many years, our whole family has been involved in various charitable and community projects. Helping others seems to be in our DNA! I’ve also spent nearly 30 years in the maritime industry, where safety always comes first, so joining HM Coastguard felt like a natural fit.

A few years ago, my job changed from being quite active and out in the field to spending much more time at a desk. I missed being on my feet and doing something practical.

I wanted a new challenge where I could use my energy and skills to help people, while making new friends outside work. It’s also a good way to step away from the desk and put my energy into something worthwhile.

❓ What is the most unusual incident you have attended?

I’m still fairly new to the team, so I’m not sure I can pick a most unusual incident yet. But one callout that stays with me was the first time I gave casualty care to someone: a person who had been stung by a jellyfish on Crosby Beach.

I remember the rush of adrenaline, then realising that the training was kicking in. I worked through what I needed to do, step by step. The first aid itself was fairly simple, but it was a difficult moment for the person involved. Hearing them say thank you afterwards meant a lot. It reminded me why we do this.

❓ What is the most unusual place you’ve been when your pager has gone off?

I’m always a little wary of getting into the shower when I’m on duty, but the pager hasn’t caught me there yet!

It did go off once while I was walking our dog. When I’m available for callouts, I try to stay within about 10 to 15 minutes of home. Naturally, we were almost at the furthest point of our walk when it happened.

We sprinted home together. Our labrador thought it was the best walk ever. I was just pleased that my breathing was nearly back to normal by the time I reached the station!

❓ What is the most challenging part of your role?

Juggling work, home life and Coastguard duties is probably the biggest challenge. The middle-of-the-night callouts take some getting used to as well.

One moment you’re fast asleep, perhaps dreaming of a sunny island. The next, it’s 2am and you’re trying to read the pager message, respond, find both socks and get out of the door. I’m still working on the switch from deep sleep to a fully awake brain! But when someone needs help, you get moving.

❓ Which local beach is your favourite and why?

It has to be our Formby Beach. We live nearby, and I love the dunes, the pine forest and the wide stretch of sand. It reminds me of the Baltic Sea coast, where I grew up.

It’s where I go to clear my head or walk our dog. It’s beautiful, though, like any beach, it has its hazards and can get very busy in summer.

❓ What do you enjoy most about being a member of the team?

The people. There’s nothing quite like coming back to our cosy Crosby station after a busy task, having a cup of tea and a chat, and sharing a laugh with the team.

I enjoy that same spirit when we’re doing the less exciting jobs around the station, too. There’s a lot of warmth and good humour here, and it’s lovely to be part of it.

❓ What new skills have you learned as a CRO?

One of the most important things I’m learning is how to talk with someone who is going through a really difficult time. Some of the people we’re called to help need someone to listen, stay calm and help them take a step towards safety.

You can practise putting a dressing on a wound until the steps become familiar. Finding the right words for a person in distress is different. I’m grateful for the training we’ve had, and I know it’s a skill I’ll keep learning.

❓ What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working or on duty?

I’m a keen road cyclist, so you might find me putting in the miles around Lancashire or taking part in a cycling event. I also teach and tutor at the Polish Saturday School in Liverpool.

If there’s any free time left, I like going for a walk or a run with our labrador. And I love food – both cooking it and eating it!

❓ What do you do for a living?

Ah, this is the question that usually needs a bit of explaining!

I’m a naval architect and chartered engineer. I work for DNV, a company that checks the safety of ships and offshore structures. My work has involved inspecting ships and auditing crews and shipping companies, all with the aim of helping keep people, the environment and property safe.

I’ve been lucky enough to work with all sorts of vessels, from barges and tankers to some of the world’s largest cruise ships. For the past six years, I’ve led DNV’s operations in the UK and Ireland. It’s a job I still find exciting, even if it means I spend more time at a desk than I used to!

⚓ A big thank you to Dom for sharing his story!

From maritime safety to muddy boots, midnight pager calls and sprinting home with the dog, Dom is another great example of the different backgrounds, skills and personalities that make up HM Coastguard Crosby.

Keep an eye out for our next Meet Your Coastguard feature as we introduce more of the people behind the uniform! 💙

📞 Coastal emergency? Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

13/10/2026

🌅 Monday Night Training | HM Coastguard Crosby

😎A slightly lighter training night this week as we prepare for our in-water training session this coming Saturday. 🌊

🧽Part of the evening focused on equipment maintenance, post-checks and keeping our kit clean (with the focus on its looks clean, but is it) , safe and ready for when it’s needed. We then rolled up our sleeves for a much-needed deep clean of the station! 🧹

😉It might not always be action on the coast, but it’s the little things behind the scenes that help make the big things happen. 💪

🎂 Happy Birthday, Chloe! We hope you had a fantastic night out celebrating! - we certainly did🥃

And to finish the evening, a little quiet time taking in the sunset and enjoying the calm along our coastline. 🌅

🌊Trained, prepared and ready — whatever the coast brings.

12/10/2026

09/10/2026

🌊 MEET YOUR COASTGUARD FRIDAY🌊

This Friday, we’re introducing you to another member of the HM Coastguard Crosby team - Andy.

🏅From kitesurfing and adventure sports to mud rescues, medical training and the ever-present pager, Andy gives us an insight into why he joined, some of the memorable incidents he’s attended and what he enjoys most about being part of the team.

❓Why did you join HM Coastguard?

I’ve always had a natural attraction for the marine environment, but the real spark came from home. My wife has been a dedicated volunteer for years, and seeing her fulfilment inspired me to find my own way to give back. As my professional life settled down, the timing felt right. When I saw a recruitment drive advertised at my local kitesurfing club, I knew immediately — this wasn’t just something I wanted to do — it was something I needed to do.

❓What is the most unusual incident you

I’ve been with the team over a year now and I’m still learning that there is no such thing as a “usual” day. However, a call-out to Hale Bank definitely stands out. We were tasked to rescue a person and their dogs stuck in the mud. En route, we received a report that the individual was armed with a sh***un. That certainly heightens your focus!

It turned out to be a wildfowler who had ventured a bit too far off the beaten track. Rescuing them across the soggy, vast moorland was a physical challenge, but seeing both the owner and his dogs back on solid ground made it all worth it.

❓What is the most unusual place you’ve been when your pager has gone off?

I was in the middle of a car dealership, literally about to close a deal on a new vehicle. I think the sales rep was genuinely stunned when I suddenly cut him off and bolted for the door…

He didn’t quite grasp the urgency at the time, but luckily, he was forgiving enough to let me come back and sign the paperwork the following day.

❓What is the most challenging part of your role?

It’s definitely the “mental standby.” You’re constantly balancing the need to be 100% present in your daily life with the knowledge that you could be needed for a “shout” at any second.

Learning when to switch off and when to stay “online” for the team is a skill in itself. During busy periods, that balancing act between work, family, and the pager can be quite the juggle.

❓Which local beach is your favourite and why?

It has to be Wallasey Beach. The tidal lagoons and sandbanks make it an incredible playground for water sports, especially kitesurfing — it’s where my local club is based, so it feels like home.

That said, Crosby is a very close second; there’s something special about that stretch of our coastline.

❓What do you enjoy most about being a member of the team?

It’s honestly hard to pick just one thing! There’s the deep-seated sense of belonging that comes from working with a group of like-minded people who all have the same goal.

But then there’s the “reward” side — the incomparable feeling of helping someone who is in genuine danger.

Of course, it’s also about the smaller, quieter moments: catching a world-class sunset while out on patrol or the technical satisfaction of learning to operate the fantastic rescue assets and equipment we have at our disposal.

It’s a unique mix of high-stakes work and a very special “view out of the office”.

❓What new skills have you learned as a CRO?

The technical rescue training is brilliant, but the Emergency Casualty Care has been the most impactful for me.

I’ve come to believe that everyone should have a grasp of First Aid and Basic Life Support. Being trained to handle complex, high-pressure medical scenarios — and knowing you have the skills to potentially save a life — honestly feels like a superpower.

When you’re not working or carrying out your role as a CRO, what do you enjoy doing?

I’m a bit of an adventure ju**ie. If it involves being outdoors, I’m in — kitesurfing, rock climbing, alpine skiing, sailing, cycling, or hiking — you name it.

My favourite thing is sharing those passions and exploring the great outdoors with my girls.

❓What do you do for a living?

In my “day job,” I run a niche software company developing solutions for the waste and recycling industry.

It’s a world away from the mud and salt water of the Coastguard, but being my own boss gives me the flexibility to respond to calls at odd hours, which is essential for the role.

⸻

👏Andy’s story is a great reminder that there’s no such thing as a typical day on our coastline — and that the skills, experiences and interests of our team can be as varied as the incidents we attend.

🙏Keep an eye out next Friday when we introduce you to another member of HM Coastguard Crosby.

🌊 HM Coastguard Crosby – Here when you need us.

08/10/2026

Proud to see our Mersey Ferry featured in this important message from the MCA. ⛴️ Accessibility and inclusive travel matter, helping ensure everyone can travel with confidence across our waterways.

Ferries City Region Combined Authority