Child struggling in the Hastings sea prompts huge response

Emergency services were called to the scene at St Leonards on Monday, May 11, shortly before 5pm after reports of a young person struggling in the sea.

Coastguard teams from Hastings, Rye Bay, and Bexhill attended, alongside Sussex Police and the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard Bexhill said: "Late this afternoon, our volunteers were tasked to reports of a young person in difficulty in the sea at St Leonards.

"The casualty was safely rescued from the water and received treatment from ambulance crews at the scene."

Multiple rescue agencies attended the incident (Image: HM Coastguard Bexhill)

During the incident, further reports were received of a missing young person in the area, but it was quickly confirmed that the individual rescued from the sea was the person reported missing.

A spokesperson for RNLI Eastbourne said: "Solent Coastguard requested the immediate launch of our relief D-Class Inshore Lifeboat, The Peter Dixon, following reports of a young child in difficulty in the water near St Leonards.

"Our volunteers launched quickly and made best speed towards the casualty alongside crews from Hastings RNLI, Coastguard Rescue Teams from Bexhill, Hastings, and Rye Bay, South East Coast Ambulance Service, and Sussex Police.

"The casualty was successfully rescued from the water and was in the care of the ambulance service before the ILB arrived on scene.

"With no further assistance required, our crew was stood down and returned to station."

HM Coastguard has reminded the public that while the weather is warming up, sea temperatures remain cold.

This poses a risk of cold water shock.

They advise calling 999 and asking for the Coastguard in any coastal emergencies.