A SENIOR Wirral lifeguard is warning beachgoers about the dangers of mud flats and hazardous sea conditions after two rescues in recent days.

Lead lifeguard supervisor Ryan Jennings' comments follow the rescue of a member of the public who was stuck in the mud at Leasowe Bay on Monday afternoon and a swimmer in danger after venturing outside the red and yellow flagged area was no longer safe on Saturday.

Mr Jennings said: "If you ever find yourself in difficulty on the coast, or you see someone else in danger, either alert a lifeguard or call 999 and ask for the coastguard.

"Always check the weather forecast and the tide times before you enter the water and look out for warning signs or flags on the beach.

"By attending a lifeguarded beach, you can make sure that whilst you’re having fun, you’re also staying safe."

The member of the public stuck in knee-deep mud on Leasowe Bay Beach, along with their two dogs on Monday was spotted by the lifeguard, who immediately called the coastguard and stood by for assistance as coastguard mud rescue technicians arrived on scene, as well as Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service.

Once removed from the thick mud, the casualty was checked over by North West Ambulance Service Paramedics.

Luckily after medical checks, it was decided that the casualty and their two dogs did not need any further medical attention.

Lead lifeguard Ryan Jennings said: "If you find yourself stuck in mud on a beach or elsewhere, it is advised to stay calm, not struggle and to spread your weight.

"If you, or someone else, finds themselves stuck in mud, it's important that you carry a means for calling for help."

Lifeguards at New Brighton beach were busy on Saturday warning members of the public about the hazardous sea conditions outside of the red and yellow flagged when they went to the swimmers rescue.

New Brighton Lifeguard Callum Astles was in the sea training on his paddle board when he spotted the distressed swimmer. He brought the casualty back to safety on the paddle board and gave advice.

Ryan Jennings said: "Luckily, although the swimmer was outside the flagged area, they were on a lifeguarded beach, which meant a trained professional was on-hand to get them out of danger.

"Although the sea might not look dangerous, the water is unpredictable, with changing tides, currents and weather conditions. The RNLI encourages beach-goers to visit lifeguarded beaches and to only enter the water when the flags indicate that it is safe to do so."