Two men die after going into sea to rescue children

Police, paramedics, the RNLI, and the Coastguard were called to the beach at 3.45pm on Sunday (July 12) after concerns were raised for two youngsters. 

Two men went into the water to assist the children and were brought out by the RNLI.

Tragically, despite receiving immediate medical attention, both men were pronounced dead a short time later. The children were deemed safe and taken to hospital to be checked over. 

Cleveland Police confirmed that the deaths are not being treated as suspicious and specially trained officers are now supporting both families.

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 North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) 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.”