A review of water safety arrangements along the whole of Hartlepool’s coast has begun following the tragic deaths of two men at Seaton Carew.

The men died after going in the sea to help two children who had got into difficulty on a family day out on Sunday afternoon.

Two other men also bravely went in and helped rescue one of the children.

Seaton councillor Sue Little, who is also the Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool, said the tight-knit community has been left shocked and very saddened by the deaths.

Flowers placed at the sea front in Seaton Carew following the death of two men at the weekend.

placeholder image — Flowers placed at the sea front in Seaton Carew following the death of two men at the weekend.

She quickly started a motion to Hartlepool Borough Council calling for lifeguards to patrol the beach from May to September.

Lifeguards are currently only in place during the six-week school holidays which begin next week.

Cllr Little says in the proposed motion: “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.”

She added: “The sea is not a flat surface, one step it could be knee high, another step you could be waist high.

Seaton Carew Councillor Sue Little looks out onto the beach at Seaton Carew.

“That’s how fast you could be under the water.”

Meanwhile, council leader Graham Harrison has asked the authority to look at safety arrangements at Seaton Carew and along the whole of the town’s coast after Sunday’s tragic incident.

Councillor Harrison said: “I am absolutely heartbroken by the tragic events at Seaton Carew on Sunday.

“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.

The area of Seaton Carew beach where two men lost their lives as they attempted to rescued two children.

“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.”

One of them, Davey Short, 48, told the BBC: “I’m no hero. I’m just a dad, I’ve got kids of my own.

“I would do it again today if I had to.”

Cllrs Harrison and Little both paid tribute to the RNLI, HM Coastguard and emergency services for their response on Sunday afternoon.

“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,” added Cllr Harrison.

A council spokesperson added: “Given the tragic events of recent days, the leader of the council has 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.”

Cleveland Police Temporary Chief Superintendent Helen Wilson said inquiries are continuing on behalf of the coroner and that officers are supporting the families involved.

The men who died have still to be officially named.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for the family of one of the victims, said to be the dad of the children who got into difficulty.