Police praise for rescuers after children saved from sea

3:55pm Monday 12th May 2008

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TWO children had to be rescued after getting into trouble while swimming in the sea at Port Haverigg.

Cumbria Police have praised the actions of two local men and two police officers who swam out to save the youngsters.

The 12-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl had entered the lagoon but got into difficulties about 100 metres from the shoreline at around 6pm yesterday (Sunday).

When police arrived the children were tiring and two local men were swimming out to rescue them.

PCs Rachel Brown and Ben Strain, who form part of the Millom Neighbourhood Policing Team, swam out to join the rescue attempt.

Between them, the four swimmers managed to support the children and swim them back to land where the youngsters were treated for shock before being taken to Furness General Hospital as a precaution.

Sergeant Rachel Jones said: "This was a near tragedy, which was only averted by the presence of mind of witnesses and the bravery of the local people and police officers who swam to the aid of the children.

"I am delighted that there is a happy ending to this situation, but it should act as a warning to parents to remain vigilant as the warm weather sets in, and to remind children of the dangers associated with playing in water."