A mother whose son and nephew were rescued from rising waters beneath Blackpool Pier is sharing her family's terrifying ordeal to help prevent other tragedies this summer.
Zully, from Leeds, has spoken about the moment she feared she would lose her 10-year-old son Subby and 12-year-old nephew Kizza after they became trapped on pier stanchions as the tide rapidly came in during a family day trip to Blackpool on May 28.
The incident happened while the family were visiting the resort during the half-term holiday.
Recalling the rescue, Zully said: "I knew he'd cling on if he could hear my voice telling him not to let go, but by now the water was rising fast and I could see him going under.
"It didn't feel real, it was like I was in some kind of helpless dream.
"I could see my nephew hanging on, but I could see the fear in his eyes.
"I could see my boy submerged next to the poles of the pier.
"I was shouting desperately to him, but I just couldn't get to him."
As conditions worsened, Zully attempted to reach the boys herself before being forced back by the waves.
Meanwhile, her 21-year-old nephew Ted, from Bradford, was clinging to the pier supports while trying to reach the children.
A member of the public called 999 and HM Coastguard requested the launch of Blackpool RNLI's lifeboat crew.
The charity said its volunteer crew arrived at the scene within four minutes and quickly located the boys.
Rescuers manoeuvred a D-class inshore lifeboat alongside the pier supports before pulling both children to safety and bringing them ashore to waiting paramedics.
Ted was subsequently rescued by a second RNLI lifeboat crew.
Speaking about the moment the lifeboat arrived, Zully said: "When I saw Subby coming in on that lifeboat and being carried away, it was like a miracle.
"I thought he'd gone.
"He survived because of these people who are volunteers."
The family are now working with the RNLI to raise awareness of coastal safety ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25.
Zully said she had checked tide times before visiting Blackpool but had been shocked by how quickly conditions changed.
She added: "This happened to the people I love and it could so easily happen to other families too.
"Without the RNLI, I would have lost him. My first boy.
"I'd have never forgiven myself."
The RNLI is using the family's story to encourage people to learn the charity's "Float to Live" technique, which can help save lives if someone gets into difficulty in the water.
Chris Cousens, RNLI water safety lead, said: "Nobody visits the coast expecting to get into difficulty.
"We're urging families to check the tide times before you go.
"If you can't understand the information on tide tables, ask people who know the area and pay attention to any safety signs.
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"Always carry a means of calling for help, like a fully charged mobile phone.
"If you do get into difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
The RNLI's advice for anyone struggling in the water is to tilt their head back, keep their ears submerged, relax and control their breathing while gently moving their hands and feet to stay afloat.
The charity is encouraging people to "Find Your Float" by learning and practising the life-saving skill in a safe environment as part of World Drowning Prevention Day.
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