Four people from Morecambe have been honoured after saving a vulnerable woman from drowning.
Their bravery was recognised at the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards, with a silver medal for their actions.
The prestigious awards were hosted at The Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield by Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, Lauren Poultney.
The ceremony was held to honour the brave members of the public who have placed themselves in dangerous situations, carrying out courageous and selfless acts to help protect others, defend their communities, prevent and detect crime and actively assist the police.
Back on Saturday January 7, a woman was seen lying on the beach, despite it being a cold and blustery day.
A man walking his dog called an ambulance and made his way onto the beach. Simultaneously, a group having breakfast in a nearby hotel saw the situation and made their way out on to the promenade.
As the group – who have not been named - neared the woman, they very quickly realised the imminent danger she was in, with water lapping against her face. Between the group, they managed to get the woman to her feet and started walking and carrying her out of danger, walking through water that was rapidly cutting off their route back.
They were joined by two police officers and were left with no alternative other than to negotiate water several feet deep to get the woman to the safety of a waiting ambulance.
It took them 25 minutes to bring the woman to safety. In that time, the beach they had walked across to get to her had become fully submerged. The actions of these four people meant that the woman could be treated and back home with her family that day.
Lancashire Constabulary’s Chief Constable Chris Rowley has commended the four on their bravery saying: “These awards are really special and having attended the ceremony and listened to the numerous stories of bravery by the public, I am really humbled.
‘’It is so great to see and recognise the very best of humanity. The actions of those four members of the public undoubtedly saved that woman’s life on that cold, January morning.
“I want to thank them for the incredible bravery that day. They acted quickly, and prioritized saving a vulnerable person, risking their own safety to do so.”
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
