Overview
- The rescue attempt occurred on Sunday, July 12, when Wayne Taylor and passer-by Ian Pascoe entered the North Sea to help two children; both men were recovered by RNLI crews and later pronounced dead while the children were rescued and checked in hospital.
- Cleveland Police are carrying out enquiries on behalf of the coroner and officers are supporting the families as standard post-mortem procedures proceed.
- Hartlepool Borough Council has launched a comprehensive review of water-safety arrangements along its coastline that will consider lifeguard coverage, signage, education, and prevention measures.
- A GoFundMe set up for the families has raised more than £10,000 and organiser Shannon Bailey says the appeal will close on Sunday, July 19 with proceeds split between the two families.
- Eyewitnesses and rescuers described very large waves and strong rip currents at the scene, and the RNLI and local teams are reissuing guidance such as the 'Float to Live' message while thousands have signed petitions to extend lifeguard patrols beyond the current limited summer period.