HOAXERS PUT LIVES AT RISK

Liverpool Coastguard has slammed hoaxers after search unit’s wasted valuable time on Thursday 27 September 2001 on yet another wild goose chase.

A coastguard spokesperson said: "There are far too many of these types of incidents, right along the coast.

"On Thursday we were told there was someone in trouble in the water of Cleveleys.

"When this happens we send a land-based search team who try and pinpoint the person and direct the inshore rescue craft to them.

"What these hoaxers don't seem to realise is that they could be putting lives in danger by needlessly tying up valuable resources. Occasionally we manage to get the police to the scene quickly and they catch the hoaxers, who are often prosecuted."

Meanwhile, leaflets aimed at reducing the number of hoax calls to the emergency services in Kent are being distributed in schools and social clubs.

Coastguard, police, ambulance and fire services have joined forces to produce 50,000 leaflets. It is the next stage in a string of initiatives to counter bogus 999 calls.

The services have already issued two videos, an education pack and held a poster competition for schools in the county to raise awareness.