Overview
- A couple in their 60s entered the sea at Thornton‑Cleveleys to reach their dog on Saturday evening and were recovered by HM Coastguard after getting into difficulty.
- The man was taken to hospital and remains in a critical condition while the woman was treated at scene and later pronounced dead in hospital.
- Police confirmed the dog was recovered safe and well and that there are no suspicious circumstances in the woman's death.
- Emergency responders from HM Coastguard, RNLI, ambulance and fire services attended the scene and reports say two coastguard officers were treated as a precaution after swallowing seawater.
- The incident follows a recent rise in open‑water emergencies during warm weather and is expected to prompt renewed public safety messaging and a coroner’s inquiry.