Water safety review to be carried after Seaton Carew tragedy

Council bosses have ordered a full review of the current water safety arrangements across the borough’s coastline, Hartlepool Council has today (July 13) confirmed.

It follows a tragic incident on Sunday evening (July 12) where two men lost their life while trying to rescue children in difficulty in the sea.

The incident sparked an online petition by Rebecca Ringwood – a loved one of Jordan Moon, who drowned in August 2003 at the same beach – to restore lifeguard services beyond school holidays. 

Now, Hartlepool Borough Council leader has spoken out about the “absolutely heartbreaking” incident, saying a review has been asked for.

He said: “On behalf of Hartlepool Borough Council and the people of Hartlepool, I want to offer my deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the two men who so selflessly entered the sea to help others.

Seaton Carew Beach (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

“Their courage, selflessness and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

“My thoughts are also with the two children involved and everyone affected by this devastating tragedy. 

“I would also like to acknowledge the bravery of the other people who entered the water to help. Their actions, alongside those of the two men who tragically lost their lives, demonstrated extraordinary courage in the face of danger.

“I would like to thank the RNLI, HM Coastguard and all of the emergency services who responded in incredibly difficult circumstances.

“Given the tragic events of recent days, I have asked for a full review of the current water safety arrangements at Seaton Carew and across the borough’s coastline. 

“That work is now under way and will take place alongside any investigations being carried out by partner agencies.

“Right now, however, our focus remains on the families and loved ones of those affected, and we stand with them as they face an unimaginable loss.”

Hartlepool Borough Council withdrew lifeguards at Seaton Carew in 2001 in a bid to make savings of £100,000 – and calls were made to reinstate them following Jordan’s death.  

Jordan, from Hartlepool, died after a freak 8ft wave swept him out to sea while he was paddling with a friend near the shore. 

Jordan Moon (Image: ARCHIVE)

Tragedy struck once again over the weekend when two people were pronounced dead after trying to assist two brothers in the water. The children were safe and taken to hospital.

Hero Davey Short has since spoken out of how he saw one person floating face down in the water next to a child who was struggling in rough seas – and didn’t hesitate to run to their aid.

Read his story here: Hero recalls moment he saved child from North Sea as two others die in rescue effort

Councillor Sue Little, ward councillor for Seaton, also joined calls to reinstate lifeguards beyond the six week holiday following the incident.

She said: “This incident highlights the increasing number of people using Seaton Beach during periods of warm weather and raises the question of whether seasonal beach lifeguards should be reinstated earlier in the year.

“With warmer summers becoming more common and weather forecasts now able to predict prolonged periods of hot weather well in advance, there is an opportunity to take a more proactive approach. 

“Seaton has a first-class beach that attracts thousands of residents and visitors whenever temperatures rise, often well before the traditional six-week summer holiday period.

“While no monetary value can ever be placed on a human life, having trained lifeguards on patrol during these peak periods could help prevent incidents, provide immediate assistance and, in some cases, reduce the scale of emergency service responses required.”

In response, the council said: “We are aware of Councillor Sue Little’s comments on social media regarding a motion to Council. 

“Given the tragic events of recent days, the Leader of the Council has this morning asked for a full review of the current water safety arrangements at Seaton Carew and across the borough’s coastline. 

“That work is now under way and will take place alongside any investigations being carried out by partner agencies. 

“Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy.”