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Blackpool police officers praised for saving woman’s life in sea rescue
Four police officers from Blackpool have been hailed for their ‘brave, selfless and professional actions’ after rescuing a woman from the sea.
PC Kerry Marrs, PC Liam Bell, PC Sarah Bell and PC Sam Taylor attended a report of a concern for welfare on the beach near to North Pier last week. While investigating that, they became aware of a woman in the sea – she had been in the water for a length of time and was unable to get out.
The officers tried to communicate with her, but she then went under the water. Two of the officers waded thigh deep into the sea to rescue the woman and brought her back to the beach, where two other officers provided lifesaving first aid for 25 minutes as her pulse race dropped and she began fitting.
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The woman, who is in her 50s, was taken to hospital for treatment and has made a recovery.
PC Liam Bell said: “When we were going down to the water, we couldn’t see anything. We could just hear shouting but couldn’t see where it was coming from until we got to the shoreline and saw her in the water.
“This makes it more treacherous as you don’t know where you’re stepping, what you’re standing on and you could lose your footing at any point. It’s certainly a very dangerous part of the beach to be on. Something you often think about is your own safety.
“The goal is to come home from every shift without any injuries and safe and sound. But at the same time, we are police officers and we have to act.
“If we don’t, people can be seriously injured or lose their life.”
PC Sarah Bell said: “It was a case of either watching someone disappear before our eyes, or go in to try and help her. I think any officer or member of the public in that situation would have probably done exactly what we did that night.”
Chief Superintendent Karen Edwards, Divisional Commander for the West of the county, said: “The brave, selfless and professional actions of these police officers no doubt saved the life of this lady. Two of the officers went into the sea to rescue her and their colleagues then performed first aid as her condition deteriorated.
“As the Divisional Commander in West I am proud of all the officers involved. They made swift, risk-based decisions and managed to save the ladies life.
“I’m proud of all four officers involved in this incident and want to recognise their heroic actions in difficult and challenging conditions.”
A force spokesperson said the initial report of a concern for welfare – unconnected with this incident – was resolved.
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