Two men entered the sea to try and help two children in difficulty this afternoon at Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, but sadly they died with their bodies brought from the water by the RNLI
Two men have died after entering the sea to help two children in difficulty in a latest tragedy in open water.
The incident took place around 3.45pm today at Seaton Carew, Hartlepool, when the men went into the sea while emergency services were called to the busy beach amid continued high temperatures.
Police confirmed they received a report of two children who had got into difficulty in the water at Seaton Carew beach and there was concern for their safety.
Officers attended the scene along with RNLI, Coastguard and North East Ambulance Service colleagues. Both children are now confirmed to be safe, and were taken to hospital to be checked over but tragically the men have lost their lives.
The UK has its third heatwave in as many months and with the rising temperatures and authorities have warned people of the dangers of entering open water. There have been at least 41 deaths in water-related incidents since the start of May.
The men in Hartlepool were brought out of the water by the RNLI and received immediate medical treatment, but sadly, both men were pronounced dead a short time later.
Specially trained officers are now supporting the families, reported TeessideLive.
Superintendent Glen Ward said: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of both the men involved in this tragic incident today. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, sadly both men were pronounced dead a short time after being brought out of the sea.
“We are conducting enquiries into the circumstances of what happened today, although the deaths are not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the Coroner.
“I would like to remind everyone that open water comes with serious risks. We know it is inviting in the hot weather, but we would encourage people to refrain from entering any open water at all. Today we have sadly seen the true tragedy that can happen as a result. Please take extra care and enjoy the warm weather as safely as possible.”
Several police and ambulance crews were also in attendance, in car parks off The Front at the seaside resort while a red and white Coastguard helicopter was also seen.
A NEAS spokesperson said: “We received a call at 3.45pm on Sunday, July 12, to reports of an incident on Seaton Carew beach. We dispatched three ambulance crews, a clinical team leader, a duty officer, three crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who attended by road. Two patients were taken to North Tees Hospital for further treatment.”
A surge in emergency calls during the hot weather has prompted the force to urge people to call 999 only if there is an immediate danger or a crime taking place. Other offences should be reported online.
Craig Snell, forecaster at the Met Office, said: “Today, 33C is still well above average for the time of year. The very hot conditions are going to continue to remain across the UK until at least next week.”
He added: “During the hot weather, make sure to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and check on friends and family. If you’re planning on enjoying the seaside, check the water temperature. The water still can be quite cold so make sure you’re fully aware of that to avoid cold water shocks.”
The Mirror has launched the Save Lives For Sam water safety campaign to tackle the UK’s growing drowning crisis. Backed by MPs, Olympic champions, national water safety organisations and bereaved families, the campaign is calling for urgent action to make our waters safer.
That includes compulsory water safety lessons in schools, a nationwide public awareness campaign, better lifesaving equipment at high-risk waterways, the introduction of Sam’s Law, and a dedicated Minister for Water Safety. Find out more about the campaign and how you can support it here.