Police officers save woman’s life in Blackpool

Four Blackpool police officers have been praised after saving the life of a woman in the sea near North Pier.

They attended a report of a concern for welfare on the beach near to North Pier at 12.05am today (May 11).

While investigating that, they became aware of a woman in the sea – she had been in the water for a length of time and was unable to get out.

The officers tried to communicate with her, but she then went under the water.

Two of the officers waded thigh deep into the sea to rescue the woman and brought her back to the beach where two other officers provided left-saving first aid for 25 minutes as her pulse race dropped and she began fitting.

The woman, who is in her 50s, was taken to hospital for treatment and is being cared for there.

Chief Superintendent Karen Edwards, Divisional Commander for the West of the county, said: “The brave, selfless and professional actions of these police officers no doubt saved the life of this lady.

“Two of the officers went into the sea to rescue her and their colleagues then performed first aid as her condition deteriorated.

“As the Divisional Commander in West I am proud of all the officers involved. They made swift , risk based decisions and managed to save the ladies life.

"I’m proud of all four officers involved in this incident and want to put on record my sincere thanks for their actions in difficult and challenging conditions."

The initial report of a concern for welfare – unconnected with this incident – was resolved.