Everything we know so far after two men died at Seaton Carew in Hartlepool

Alarm raised

Police say they were called around 3.45pm on Sunday, July 12, after concerns were raised for two children who had got into difficulty in the water at Seaton Carew.

It is understood it took place on the beach near the Sandy car park, in Tees Road.

Emergency response

Officers attended the scene along with RNLI, Coastguard and North East Ambulance Service colleagues.

The Great North Air Ambulance Service said: “We were activated at 3.58pm to an incident in Seaton Carew, Hartlepool.

“We had a paramedic on a rapid response vehicle and they arrived on scene at 4.23pm.”

Both children were confirmed to be safe, and were taken to hospital to be checked over.

Two men who went into the water to help the children were brought out of the water by the RNLI and received immediate medical treatment although sadly both men were pronounced dead a short time later.

Families being supported

The two men who lost their lives have not yet been publicly named. However, Cleveland Police say specially trained officers are supporting both families at this extremely difficult time.

Superintendent Glen Ward said on Sunday: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of both the men involved in this tragic incident today.”

MP pays tribute

MP for Hartlepool Jonathan Brash said Hartlepool had suffered “a heartbreaking tragedy”.

He said: “Two men went into the sea to help children in difficulty at Seaton Carew. Those children were saved. The two men who went to help did not come home.

“There are no words that can lessen the pain their families, friends and loved ones are now experiencing.

"My thoughts are with them all, and I know the whole town will be holding them close in our hearts at this tragic time.”

What has the public reaction been?

There has been huge shock among the local community in Seaton and whole town with many expressing their sympathies online.

There have also been calls for the lifeguard coverage at Seaton Carew to be extended. Currently, the beach is only patrolled during the six-week school holiday period, which has not yet started.

Seaton councillor Sue Little has proposed a motion to the council calling for lifeguards to be in place from May to September.

She said: “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.”

Rebecca Ringwood has also launched an online petition at change.org calling for the same thing which has been supported by more than 1,300 people so far.

Ms Ringwood says 23 years ago she also lost a loved one due to cuts in lifeguard services.

The petition states: “Since that fateful day, we've seen lives lost due to inadequate supervision on our shores, a consequence of staffing cuts and limited service periods.”

Calling for lifeguard coverage to be extended it adds: “This would ensure that our beaches are safe year-round, reducing the risk of accidents and providing peace of mind to all beachgoers.”

Is it safe to go in the sea?

Following the weekend’s tragedy, officials have reminded people to take care around open water.

Supt Ward said: “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.”

What happens next?

Police are conducting inquiries into the circumstances of the tragic incident although the deaths are not being treated as suspicious.

However, due to the nature of the deaths, an inquest – a public hearing – is likely to take place where the coroner for Teesside and Hartlepool determines the cause of death and makes any findings or recommendations.