The former fishing port of Arnside in Cumbria is part of the Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Situated on the shores of Morecambe Bay, the picturesque spot is famed for its stunning views, historic woodlands, and wildlife.
The area is also home to the Arnside Coastguard Rescue Team (CRT), a crew of 12 who operate between the coasts of the South Lakes and the Lake District, including Windermere and Coniston.
Among its many unique features, Arnside’s tidal bore, one of 20 across the UK, is a popular spectacle for visitors and locals. This fast-flowing wave is powerful and impressive, but also causes dangerous and extreme tides.
For this week's Meet Your Coastguard, we speak with Alan Firth, Deputy Station Officer for Arnside CRT.
Why did you join HM Coastguard?
After serving more than 30 years with Greater Manchester Fire Service as an operational firefighter, I relocated to Arnside and decided that the skills I’d gained at work could be put to good use.
What is the most unusual incident you have attended?
We attended an incident where it appeared that one person was stuck up to their knees in the mud with another person waving frantically while running about. It turned out to be a dancer filming himself with a camera perched on top of his rucksack.
What is the most unusual place you’ve been when your pager has gone off?
I hadn’t been with HM Coastguard very long and was shopping with my wife in a DIY store when my pager went off. At first, I thought it was a smoke alarm, and it wasn’t until my wife pointed out: “It’s your pager going off” that I responded! I have responded on a train coming back across the bay and was able to get “eyes on“ for an incident as I came back into Arnside.
What is the most challenging part of your role?
It’s realising that we are all volunteers, after working in the fire service full time for 30 years. Also, arriving at an incident knowing that backup might not arrive for a while.
Which local beach is your favourite and why?
The beach in front of our Coastguard Station is stunning and sees fantastic sunsets. But for me, the iconic Arnside Viaduct on the beach is a favourite as I have drawn and painted it several times.
What do you enjoy most about being a member of the team?
We have a great, friendly team, which is always there to pick you up if you are feeling a low. There’s lots of encouragement and we are all very keen team members.
What new skills have you learned as a CRO?
I am now K38 qualified to use a rescue watercraft or RWC (jet ski) which is based at Arnside. This was put to great use at COP26 in 2021 in Glasgow, when myself and another team member from Arnside patrolled the River Clyde for two weeks on the RWC. I have also trained as a mud technician for mud rescues. I recently became Deputy Station Officer and have gained additional skills in incident management, team welfare and leading training sessions.
When you’re not working or volunteering as a CRO, what do you enjoy doing?
I spend a lot of time drawing and painting and I spend at least three days a week cycling – I even cycled from Land’s’ End to John O’ Groats for charity last year!
What do you do for a living?
Having retired as a firefighter, I’m now an artist and coastguard.
