Two males die after leaping into the ocean to rescue youngsters on UK seaside

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Two men have died after jumping into the sea to save two kids who had got into difficulty. Emergency services rushed to the scene at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool at around 3.45pm on Sunday.

Police said the two men were reported to have gone into the water to assist the children. Both children are now confirmed to be safe, and were taken to hospital to be checked over.

But tragically the men were brought out of the water by the RNLI and were pronounced dead a short time later, despite the best efforts of medics.

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.”

The force said that specially trained officers were supporting both families.

A Coastguard helicopter was seen hovering over the beach earlier this afternoon following the incident, while emergency services lined the promenade.

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) has confirmed that it sent a number of crews to the scene, including three ambulances and three crews of specially trained paramedics.

A 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.”

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