Lifeguard Coverage During School Holidays
The deaths of two men who entered the sea to assist two children have led to renewed calls for expanded lifeguard services beyond the current summer school holiday period.
The incident occurred at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool at approximately 15:45 BST on Sunday. Cleveland Police reported that the RNLI rescued the men from the water, but both were pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Currently, lifeguards patrol the beach daily throughout the summer school holidays. However, local residents have expressed the need for this service to be extended for a longer duration.
Earlier this year, Hartlepool Borough Council was recruiting eight lifeguards and four lifeguard supervisors to provide coverage from 18 July to 1 September. The council has been approached for comment regarding the recent calls for extended lifeguard provision.
Seaton Carew Independent councillor Sue Little has advocated for lifeguard services to be available from May through to the end of September. Additionally, a petition requesting lifeguard coverage outside the school holiday period has garnered over 1,600 signatures.
Emergency Response to Sea Incident
Hartlepool, Redcar, and Staithes Coastguard Rescue Teams responded to the emergency on Sunday, alongside the RNLI, Cleveland Police, and North East Ambulance Service.
Police confirmed that the children involved were taken to hospital for evaluation and were found to be safe.
Eyewitness Account of Rescue
Davey Short, who was walking along the beach at the time, noticed a boy struggling in the water.
"I realised something was not right because there was a woman screaming and shouting," he said.
"I ran straight in and dived into the water, I got a bit scared myself and came back in a way to get my bearings."
On his second attempt, Short successfully pulled the boy to safety.
"I wish I could have done more.
"I would do it again if I had to, I'm a dad with kids of my own."
Community Reactions and Calls for Extended Lifeguard Presence
Local resident David Allan described the deaths as "tragic."
"There hasn't been any lifeguards all year," he said. "None whatsoever.
"People go into the water and they just don't know what it's going to do."
Sandra Gleeson emphasized the need for more frequent lifeguard presence at the beach.
"It's a big shock for everybody," she said.
"Lifeguards should be on a weekend," she added. "This beach is full with families.
"You can't be 24/7 with your kids, but I think lifeguards, that's what they're qualified for.
"They should be down here more often."
Adrian Barron expressed how the deaths have affected the community.
"They have lifeguards when the schools are on holiday, but apart from that, nothing.
"Everybody's just totally shocked, they can't believe it."
Official Statements
Cleveland Police stated that the deaths of the two men are not being treated as suspicious. A file will be prepared for the coroner.
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