Dad who died trying to save his children at Seaton Carew beach named as tributes pour in

The tragedy unfolded at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool on Sunday, July 12, when what began as a family day out ended in disaster after two children got into difficulty in the water

A dad who died while trying to save his two children from the sea at a UK beach has been named as Wayne Taylor.

The tragedy unfolded at Seaton Carew beach in Hartlepool on Sunday, July 12, when what began as a family day out ended in disaster after two children got into difficulty in the water. Mr Taylor rushed into the sea in an attempt to rescue them, alongside beachgoer Davey Short and another man who has not been named. Tragically, both Mr Taylor and the second man lost their lives during the rescue attempt.

The RNLI was called to the scene at around 3.45pm and recovered both men from the water. Despite the efforts of emergency services, they were pronounced dead a short time later. The two children were brought to safety and taken to hospital as a precaution. They were not seriously injured.

Mr Short, who also entered the water to help, described the desperate moments as the incident unfolded, The Mirror reported.

He said: “There were three children at the beach with their mam and dad, a boy aged 15, a second boy aged 11 or 12 and a younger girl. The two younger kids were in the sea and started to struggle.

“I saw a second figure next to the boy and he was face down in the water. I discovered afterward the children’s father had gone in to rescue them, was swept away, and didn’t get back out. A second man had also gone in and he drowned as well. He had been out walking his dog with his partner and he ran in to help. She saw the whole thing, it’s devastating to think about that.

“I was the third person to go into the water. The children’s mother was on the beach, she was hysterical and asking if I could help because she couldn’t swim. Her eldest son had gone into the water as well to try to rescue his brother and sister but they were still out there. I managed to swim out and get hold of the boy.”

Following the tragedy, Superintendent Glen Ward, of Cleveland Police, 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.”

Tributes have since been paid to Mr Taylor online.

One family friend wrote on Facebook: “Wayne Taylor (Tim) as the lads would say, you know what they say god only takes the best and that you was, thanks so much for being the most amazing best friend to my Liam, you really did mean so much to him.”

The tribute continued: “I promise to look after our Jade and be there for them all as much as myself and Liam can, because for only the short two years I knew you, you was definitely one of a kind. RIP mate, absolute hero. And RIP to that other gentleman too, my thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones right now.”

A GoFundMe appeal has also been launched to support Mr Taylor’s family with funeral costs and to help his children. More than £31,000 has been donated so far.