Stop filming rescue operations, coastguard appeals

Coastguards have asked members of the public to stop using their phones to film rescue operations.

Crews in Blackpool and Lytham said filming casualties who "might be injured" or "extremely distressed" was "in no way appropriate".

They said during one rescue, when someone was found after being "lost and distressed", one of the first things they said was: "I'm so embarrassed, I don't want to be filmed."

Posting on Facebook, the coastguard service said: "We think that is incredibly sad that in someone's time of need, a prominent thought for them is whether they are going to be filmed or not. Not relief that they're now safe."

The added: "We hate that someone might make a decision not to call us for help when they need it, because they're scared of being filmed."

The post also said it was unfair to "thrust" team members on to social media without their consent.

"We don't share some of the [calls] that we attend because we respect the privacy, the boundaries and sometimes, the safety of the casualty," they said.

"We're about spreading safety messages, not gossip.

"We're here to save lives, not to get people hearts on social media.

"We would like to implore, please, don't film us during an active [operation] and with casualties."

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