A DOG walker has thanked the Coastguard for rescuing her after she got stuck in a hidden mud patch on Burnham-on-Sea beach.

Burnham-on-Sea Coastguard were called at 2.52pm on Tuesday (July 14) to reports of a person stuck in the mud just North of the Lower Lighthouse on Burnham beach.

A woman had become stuck on a patch of very soft mud which had been covered by sand being blown across the surface of the beach and sank into it immediately.

Two Coastguard volunteers got kitted out in full mud rescue kit and they each pulled a stretcher to use as working platforms.

The duo approached the woman and her dog, which didn't want to leave its owners side, and followed Covid-19 guidelines by putting masks on themselves and the lady.

After a quick assessment of the situation the Coastguard set about finding the quickest and easiest route back to its truck where volunteers from Weston-super-Mare Coastguard were there to help them. 

BARB Search & Rescue were also at the scene with one of their craft to help with the extraction.

As the Coastguard helped the woman in land they realised that the ground around them was firm and helped the woman to her feet. 

She then walked with assistance along the firmer ground to some of the Weston team. The two Coastguard volunteers then pulled the equipment back.

South Western Ambulance Service also arrived at the scene and checked the woman over.

A spokesperson for Burnham Coastguard, said: "We got to see just how unpredictable our beaches are and how they change after every high tide.

"Being a local who uses the beach most days she was absolutely mortified that she had wandered into the mud.

"However, as we said this is a fine example of the changeable beach we all love to use and how it can catch anyone out locals and visitors alike.

"A great multi-team and agency working incident that highlights just how our beaches can never be taken for granted.

"No matter how experienced you are or how many times you walk the beaches it changes every day and can catch any of us out.

"These people did the right thing by dialling 999 and asking for the Coastguards and with our specialist rescue equipment, we are able to carry out effective rescues of people in difficulty.

"Please do not try and reach anyone in difficulty as more often than not you will also become stuck.

"Thanks to everyone involved today and we hope the lady isn't too embarrassed as she was just unlucky to hit a hidden soft patch of mud.

"Once we had finished it was back to the station to give the equipment a good clean ready for the next call."