Case Summary: Everyday lifesavers from the UK

CASE SUMMARY

This article is a series of short accounts of everyday lifesavers from the UK. The article includes excerpts of courage and professionalism by ordinary people rescuing and recovering their fellow citizens. From lifeguards and police officers to young children, there is no stereotype to describe what it takes to be a lifesaver. Lifesavers range from concerned citizens, family members, or public servants doing the right thing when it matters most. The WIRH rightly celebrates these stories from inside and outside the water safety community. 

If you know of stories of courage and professionalism in water safety, please send us a hyperlink to the online report. We can only quote what is in the public domain, but the WIRH is happy to include your story alongside the accounts listed below. 

 

Girl, 8, saves grandad from drowning in a swimming pool 

5 July 2023, Stanley Swimming Baths, England, UK

Ken Simmonds, 83 years old, got into difficulty at Stanley Swimming Baths when he lost control of his arms and legs. Mr Simmonds had recently sustained a stroke. 8-year-old Popsie said she saw her grandad "going down" in the water and dragged him to the poolside, where a lifeguard intervened. Mr Simmonds said: 

"Popsie wanted to go into the deep end, so I swam up. My arms started to go, and I could feel myself going down. I swallowed water and couldn't shout."

Popsie's mother, Claire Simmonds, said: 

"Popsie realised his breathing sounded different, and that he was in trouble, so she grabbed him and took him to the side of the pool. Someone else saw what she was doing and alerted the lifeguard who pulled grandad out of the water. Popsie had her first swimming lesson at eight months old. She's a strong swimmer and super confident in the water. I'm really shocked that she did it but she's such a caring person and said she would never let anything happen to grandad. Her love for him just took over."

 

Mum of girl pulled from water at Sheffield swimming pool praises amazing staff

16 February 2023, Ponds Forge, England, UK

Mum of a young girl has thanked staff for their "amazing reactions" today in helping her daughter. The girl was reportedly fine and recovering in hospital. One person wrote: 

"The young lifeguard was absolutely amazing in her reaction and response bless her. The whole team of staff acted promptly and efficiently. I hope they had had time to gather themselves as it was very emotional." 

Another person commented: 

"The young lifeguards today were amazing. They all rushed to help in a terrifying situation and deserve all the credit they get for saving that little girl's life."

 

Police officer saves man from drowning

1 August 2022, Boston, England, UK

A man is recovering in hospital after PC Birch jumped in and pulled the unconscious man from the river around lunchtime on Monday. The man had sustained a head injury and was treated at the hospital. It was not clear how the man sustained a head injury or ended up in the river, but thanks to the brave actions of PC Birch, he is now recovering and able to be with his family. 

 

Perranporth lifeguard saves girl from drowning horror

18 July 2022, Perranporth beach, England, UK

A Cornish lifeguard was caught on camera paddling out to save a girl who was in difficulty in the sea off Perranporth beach. The lifeguard can be seen making light work of the 6ft waves punishing the Cornish coastline. Debi Applebee, who filmed the rescue, said: 

"I had no idea she was in distress. I heard screaming, which you can hear at the beginning of the video, but that isn't uncommon on the beach. She was not swimming in the safe area and got dragged out. The surfers were right there helping, but I was impressed how fast the lifeguard was on his board. I wasn't worried for the girl because I know the lifeguards on Perranporth beach are really good."

 

Dudley schoolboy praised by lifeguards for saving drowning boy's life on holiday in Cornwall

19 July 2022, Cornwall, England, UK

Finley Hassall saw a young boy drowning and encouraged him to "float like a starfish" to regain control of his breathing, helping him stay calm until help arrived. The 11-year-old had read the advice in a copy of the RNLI's Storm Force magazine. 

"I looked around and saw waves going over this boy's head, and he was splashing and struggling. He was panicking. I'd read in my RNLI Storm Force magazine about how to float like a starfish so that's what I asked him to do. I said I'd done this at my swimming lessons and it would be fine if he could float on his back. He went onto his back, and I was talking to him and trying to get him to take deep breaths to calm him down. An RNLI lifeguard soon arrived to check we were both okay and helped find the boy's family."

Since its launch, the Float to Live campaign has saved many lives in the UK. 

 

RNLI operation saves two children swept out to sea

24 June 2022, Ringstead Bay, England, UK

Three children were playing on their parent's paddleboard when "within the blink of an eye, they were struggling." The children were swept out to sea by strong 25 mph winds and had no strength to paddle back to shore. The children's father desperately attempted to reach them but could not. A nearby paddleboard instructor also attempted to rescue the children but was turned back by the tides. The RNLI lifeboat crew stationed at Weymouth and Wyke rushed to the scene, where they safely rescued the children. 

"Upon arrival at Ringstead the ILB radioed through that they had located and recovered three children and an adult, confirming all three were safe and well. The ILB then made their way to the slipway at Ringstead Beach where the team assisted the casualties to the beach." 

The parents said: 

"We thought this wouldn't happen to us. We know how dangerous the sea can be and we never take it for granted but it turned so very very quickly." 

 

Amazing lifeguards praised for saving drowning boy at packed Waterworld

9 August 2021, Waterworld, England, UK

Lifeguards rescued and resuscitated the drowned boy before emergency services arrived. Group Commercial and Compliance Manager, Wayne Goodall, said: 

"It is thanks to their swift actions, and the well-rehearsed health and safety systems at Waterworld, that a tragedy was avoided...we are greatful to those members of the public who stepped forward to offer their assistance."

 

Heroic teen praised for saving drowning boy in a Sheffield park

21 July 2021, Sheffield, England, UK

Zaine Sprung-Storey was walking back with friends from a basketball court in Millhouses Park when he spotted a boy, around age four, struggling in the water. Zaine immediately removed his rucksack and hopped over the bridge, jumping into the water to protect the panic-stricken boy. Zaine said: 

"The boy was really struggling, and his older brother, about a few years older, screamed for help. Fully clothed, I hopped over the bridge and jumped into the water. The water was really cold. I grabbed him and got him on my back. He didn't speak much English. He couldn't understand me when I told him not to panic...so he was screaming. The water was too deep. I couldn't stand up...he was holding on to me so tight it started to choke me. My mates who hung around on the side of the river got the child off me. As I got out, people were cheering." 

Zaine, who has Asperger's Syndrome, and wants to be a plumber when he grows up, added that he enjoyed doing good deeds. His mum said: 

"Zaine was born with Asperger's Syndrome. He had suffered a stroke in July during the lockdown and was in the hospital for a week. There was a blood clot in his brain. I'm just so proud of what he's done."

 

Officers save a man from drowning in Wandsworth Common pond

16 July 2020, Wandsworth Common, England, UK

PC Amy Bale and her colleague PC Red Haddouch were called to Wandsworth Common to an unresponsive man in the pond. When they arrived, the man was floating in the pond. They intervened. PC Bale said after the incident: 

"He was gradually starting to go under, and I was very worried that if that happened, we wouldn't be able to find him again. Luckily, the water wasn't deep, and we managed to just wade across to him and pull him out onto the side where we put him in the recovery position. In a situation like that, where you know someone's life looks to be in danger, it's human instinct more than anything. You just do what you have to do." 

Sergeant James O'Connor praised the pair's actions: 

"PC Bale and PC Haddouch had just minutes to make a decision on the best course of action, and their speed and bravery meant the incident had a positive outcome. This is a great example of our officers selflessly putting the public first, and while they have played it down as 'just another day at work', I am exceptionally proud of them and their actions." 

 

Brave officers jumped into a torrential river to save a drowning man's life

February 2020, River Ribble, Preston, England, UK

PC Chris Bryce and PC Jamie Milburn were called during Storm Ciara when heavy rains and strong winds created hazardous conditions on the River Ribble, where a man was in a critical situation. Two other men had followed the casualty into the river to help him and were now also in a dangerous position, desperately trying to keep the victims afloat. PC Bryce and PC Milburn entered the water without hesitation to support the stricken male. The officers now had the difficult task of remaining in the water with the casualty, a man who was still intent on harming himself, fought and resisted the officer's attempts to save him. When fellow officers arrived, the man was recovered onto the embankment where he could get the assistance he needed. The other two men made their way back to the embankment. Lancashire Police Federation Chair Rachel Hanley said: 

"Police officers put their lives on the line every single day, and colleagues and the public of Lancashire will quite rightly be proud of these officers. It is difficult to imagine the challenge Chris and Jamie faced that day. Trying to save someone in a river in torrential weather conditions who - sadly - did not want to be saved. But they managed it with tremendous courage. Chris and Jamie represent the very best of Lancashire Constabulary and they are very worthy nominees for The National Police Bravery Awards "

 

Boy of ten pulls teen to safety at Rhyl Air Show

25 August 2019, Rhyl Air Show, Wales, UK

Cameron Stewart, aged ten, was watching the aerial displays with his family on Sunday, 25 August 2019, when he spotted a boy, thirteen, struggling in the current near Blue Bridge at the Rhyl Harbour. An experienced swimmer trained, Cameron, who had experience in lifesaving, acted immediately whilst his mother was making sure his younger sister and dog were OK. Cameron said: 

"I saw him in the water and thought he was alright at first, but then I heard him shouting for help and realised he was drowning. No one was around so I just dived in. He was being dragged under by the current, and he was unable to breathe until I got him back to the beach."

 

Hero grandad saves two boys from drowning after one found face down in the water at Fraserburgh beach

26 July 2019, Fraserburgh Beach, Scotland, UK

Chay Clark was walking down Fraserburgh Beach with his nine-month-old granddaughter when two youngsters struggled in the water. Chay, who had a heart problem, followed a frantic girl who asked him for help. He asked the girl to look after his granddaughter before rescuing the two boys around 150 metres from shore. Others on the beach were alerted, and the Coastguard was deployed to assist. The RNLI Fraserburgh lifeboat page explained: 

"Chay reckons it took him a few minutes to reach the boys. He found one boy floating on the surface of the water and another face down. Chay turned the boy face up and began towing them both back to shore. Two other members of the public George Bruce and Kevin Clark waded into the water up to chest height to assist Chay."

The boys made a full recovery. Without Chay's heroic efforts, the outcome could have been very different. 

 

Lifeguards and off-duty medic save drowning boy's life at Lido

13 July 2019, Droitwich Spa Lido, England, UK

A seven-year-old boy fell into the pool at Droitwich Spa Lido on Saturday afternoon before being rescued by a lifeguard. The boy stopped breathing for six minutes. Elsewhere in the pool, an off-duty medic, Andi Beale, Gloucestershire's Clinical Head of Neurophysiology, left the cafe where she was with her daughter and grandchildren to support the lifeguard team. When Andi arrived on the scene, the lifeguards had recovered the boy from the water and were doing CPR. Andi said: 

"They had a very good emergency procedure in place. They sent for the defibrillator, and the ambulance had been called. Everything was under control. It could've gone the opposite way. It was very close. That's why you need there to be properly trained people." 

 

Hero grandpa saves girl, six, from drowning after spotting her lying at the bottom of swimming pool waterslide

1 July 2018, Windsor Leisure Centre, England, UK

A girl, who was not named, was rushed to hospital after being recovered from the bottom of a waterslide by a pool user, Ben Gibbs.  

"We had only been there 5-10 minutes, and I was about to go down the waterslide with my son when I saw the girl under the water.  I grabbed the girl by the arm and pulled her out of the water. Her body was floppy. Her lips were blue, and her eyes were open. I rushed through the water and carried her up the ladder in my arms before placing her on the side. The lifeguards evacuated the pool and performed CPR as everyone stood on the poolside in complete silence and watched. They got her breathing again briefly, but then had to restart CPR. The paramedics finally got her breathing again before she was taken to hospital." 

A statement on Twitter read: 

"There was an incident at Windsor Leisure Centre today. The young girl involved is now in hospital, conscious and breathing."

 

Spennymoor Leisure Centre lifeguards thanked for saving pensioner

23 June 2018, Spennymoor, England, UK

Andrew Cook was taking his usual dip in the Spennymoor pool when he had a heart attack. Lifeguard Dale Tomlinson dived in to rescue the 69-year-old and, with the support of colleagues, managed to recover Mr Cook from the pool. Mr Cook subsequently stopped breathing and was given CPR by the lifeguards. Lifeguard trainer, Aaron Ruddick, said: 

"The team immediately put their skills into action and used the poolside defibrillator twice to bring Mr Cook back from the brink of death."

The team and paramedics worked on Mr Cook for more than one hour before he was rushed to the University Hospital of North Durham. Thanks to all involved, Mr Cook recovered well following a short stay in hospital. Mr Cook's wife, Caroline Cook, personally thanked all those involved:

"They saved Andrew's life and I hope Andrew comes back swimming again but I'm overwhelmed with the staff - they are amazing and all hereos."

 

Hero PC who saved man in dramatic River Irwell rescue

18 February 2018, Bury, England, UK

PC Mohammed Nadeem selflessly jumped into the freezing River Irwell in Bury and rescued a distressed man caught up in the fast-flowing river. Having only joined the force nine months earlier, PC Nadeem became fondly known as 'The Hoff' following his selfless actions. After winning the Pride of Manchester award in 2019, news of his award read: 

On Saturday, 17 February 2018, police received a call from a distressed male on a bridge over the River Irwell. The situation was particularly sensitive as the man wanted to take his own life, and was a veteran in a poor mental state. Several officers were deployed, and on arrival, the man had jumped into the water and was clearly in difficulty. 

On seeing the man had gone underwater, PC Nadeem jumped into the River Irwell to save him. He jumped from an 8-foot drop, wearing body armour and personal safety equipment, as there wasn't time to remove these items in case the man drowned. The water was fast-moving, deep and very cold. The man was swimming away from the officer toward an incredibly dangerous weir, as he was intent on drowning. 

PC Nadeem caught up with him, grabbed and dragged him to the side. Both the man and PC Nadeem were suffering from the effects of the freezing cold, but due to the difficult egress, PC Nadeem remained in the water with the man until a ladder was lowered down to assist them. 

PC Nadeem said afterwards: 

Somehow I managed to get him and bring him to a place of safety. I wouldn't say I am a good swimmer, especially in deep-flowing water. But saving him is the best feeling in the job. We are there to protect people, to save people. 

 

Role model Northallerton teen turned lifesaver

24 July 2017, Northallerton, England, UK

Teenager, Dominic Laycock, has been 'Highly Commended' by the Panathlon Charity for saving a young person from drowning at his local pool. Dominic, who has Downs Syndrome, saw that a swimmer was struggling to stay afloat and dived in and rescued them. Dominic said: 

"I saw they were drowning, and I just jumped in. It made me feel proud afterwards."

 

A schoolboy who 'died' for 25 minutes after suffering cardiac arrest in a swimming pool make a full recovery

6 June 2016, Lewsey Pool, Luton, England, UK

Cade Ewington, 11, was rescued by quick-thinking swimming teachers when they saw him fall unconscious and lying face down in the water. Cade had experienced a cardiac arrest triggered by a rare, undiagnosed heart condition called Long QT syndrome. Mark Ewington, Cade's father, said: 

"This just shows the importance of people knowing CPR when they work in leisure centres as without those lifeguards, Cade wouldn't be here. We are indebted to the lifeguards because if it wasn't for them, we wouldn't have a son. It is simply every parent's worse fear but due to the strength and postive outlook on life it has made us as a family stronger than ever and got us through it with a smile."

 

A 10-year-old girl was saved from drowning by a computer system

30 August 2005, Bangor Pool, Wales, UK

A £65,000 system called Poseidon detected a young girl underwater at the deep end of a Rochdale pool before alerting lifeguard Karen Green to the impending danger. One of the safety system's four underwater cameras showed the girl sinking without any sign of struggle into the 3.8-metre deep end. Leisure Officer Brian Evans said: 

"The pool at the time was very busy. The lifeguards were at full stretch. We can say the extra pair of eyes identified her. The lifeguards would have seen her, but perhaps not within 10 seconds. That's the critical thing. A lifeguard could have taken a minute, maybe two, maybe three. We can't say."

 

 

Citation: Jacklin, D. 2023. Everyday lifesavers from the UK. Water Incident Research Hub, 12 July; updated 14 July.