Man, 32, drowns on Sussex beach while rescuing a four-year-old

1:27pm Saturday 26th May 2012 in News By Anna Roberts, Crime reporter

The helicopter lands on West Wittering beach today The helicopter lands on West Wittering beach today

UPDATE: A man who drowned on a Sussex beach was rescuing a four-year-old.

The child survived the tragedy.

Sussex Police have released an updated statement:

A spokesman said: "On Saturday at approximately 12.10pm Sussex Ambulance Service and Sussex Police responded to a report of an incident on West Wittering Beach.

"A 32-year-old male and another member of the public entered the water after a four-year-old child not known to them was carried away from the beach by the tide.

"The male was able to reach the child and pass them to the other member of the public who was able to bring the child safely back to the shore.

"Tragically the male was unable to reach the shore himself and was recovered unconscious from the water by others at the scene.

"Despite efforts by members of the public and emergency services to resuscitate the male he was pronounced dead at the scene." "The family of the man, who was not local to the area have been informed."

Solent Coastguard confirmed they were aware of the incident but that South East Coast Ambulance led on it.

Did you witness the tragedy?

Email anna.roberts@theargus.co.uk

Comments(17)

Matty84 says...
5:06pm Sat 26 May 12

Me and my family saw the incident a tragic sight and a real sad time on such a beautiful day. I feel for the family and praise the rapid response of the life guards and emergency services.

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SamCandles says...
5:22pm Sat 26 May 12

How terribly sad. Glad the children are safe but thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man who sacrificed his life for them

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frenchvic says...
7:21pm Sat 26 May 12

A true hero. R.I.P

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SicklySeagull says...
7:43pm Sat 26 May 12

What a terrible story on a great day of sunshine and cheer.
A real Hero, R.I.P.

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cookie_brighton says...
9:37pm Sat 26 May 12

This shows that there are still people out there willing to help........A true hero, who I feel should be commendated for his actions.
My condolences go to the family of the young man..
R.I.P. HERO

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jackie1959 says...
10:57pm Sat 26 May 12

so very sad.What an amazing young man,a real hero!! R.I.P.

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MuammarQaddafi says...
11:12pm Sat 26 May 12

Greater love has no one than this ...

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vivelavive says...
3:16am Sun 27 May 12

Rekindles the faith.

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Unbias says...
8:36am Sun 27 May 12

RIP buddy...

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Gaz the great says...
10:49am Sun 27 May 12

Good deed, tragic outcome. R.I.P:

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natasha crabb says...
11:02am Sun 27 May 12

I was there! So upsetting. The rescue tearm did every think they could, didn't give up I have photeos of there quick fast rescue the man died a hero! This man should be known as. Hero!!!

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tmug1962 says...
7:59am Mon 28 May 12

God rest his soul,a real hero of a man R.I.P.

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joanne_77 says...
8:47am Mon 28 May 12

thoughts are with the mans family xxxxx RIP x

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plantwoman says...
9:44am Mon 28 May 12

This is a really sad story. My thoughts are also with the family of the hero but I'm sorry to have to ask the question - where were the parents of the child in question? There's no mention of them here.

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Hove Actually says...
11:21am Mon 28 May 12

Human Nature at it's best and I am only sad this brave man has paid such a terrible price.
I am glad the child is safe.
God Bless

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Nightshade says...
2:45pm Mon 28 May 12

RIP Hero.

I only hope that his family can take at least some comfort that their loved one died in such heroic circumstances.

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seagullnic says...
6:52pm Mon 28 May 12

What a tragic story. A true hero and my thought's are very much with the family of this poor man. Glad the child is safe but what on earth was a 4 year old child doing in the sea unattended and especially when the red "do not swim" flags were out?

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