Police save woman from Worthing sea

Two Worthing police officers and a firearms officer braved '˜freezing' conditions to save a woman from the sea on Friday, (January 15).
Police SUS-150806-131415001Police SUS-150806-131415001
Police SUS-150806-131415001

They were called to Madeira Avenue in Worthing at around 4pm following reports of a 20-year-old woman spotted in the water.

The officers arrived on the scene and despite the coastguard being notified, chose to enter the water for fear the woman could be swept further out by strong tides.

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PC Duncan Slaney said: “When we got there I could see that her head was going under the water and knew something had to be done.

“We couldn’t reach her initially, but luckily she got close enough to the shore for us to be able to get a lifeline to her and then get her out of the water.”

PC Robert Annett added: “The water was absolutely freezing but she had been in the water for almost ten minutes by the time we got there. We had to do something to help.”

Inspector John Merrick said: “It is apparent that the selfless and swift actions of the officers saved the woman from being swept out to sea or being completely overcome by the cold.

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“Although it is generally not advisable to enter the water in such conditions, the officers made a dynamic risk assessment and entered the water fearing for the immediate safety of the woman.

“All persons made it back to shore and although suffering from the effects of the cold were otherwise uninjured. The actions of all 3 officers are commendable.”

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