Four people rescued from mud at Weston treated for hypothermia

FOUR people were taken to hospital with hypothermia after getting stuck in the mud at Weston-super-Mare.

Three sisters believed to be aged 19, 12 and 10, and the eldest girl’s boyfriend were trapped in the resort’s notorious mud for two hours before rescue.

They became stuck while walking by the Royal Parade near the Royal Sands Hotel.

Great Western Ambulance Service received a 999 called shortly after 4.30pm yesterday when a passer-by phoned the coastguard.

An ambulance crew was on scene within a few minutes, backed up by two additional ambulances, a paramedic in a rapid-response vehicle and a police officer.

The patients were rescued by the coastguard and Avon Fire & Rescue Service crews, who brought them safely to shore where they were assessed and taken to Weston General Hospital.

Rob Audain, GWAS officer on scene, said: “The coldest patient had a body temperature of 32C.

“But all four were wrapped in blankets in the ambulances and quickly transported to hospital for further checks; once they have all warmed up they should be fine. They were out for a walk along the beach, didn’t realise how far out they had gone and were simply too exhausted to make their way back.”

Mr Audain appealed for people to take extra care on the beach.

He said: “We would urge everyone to take care. There are clear signs warning people of the dangers of going too far out when the tide is out.”