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National
Kali Lindsay

Girl saved from drowning off Whitley Bay coast by heroic passers-by

A girl was rescued who was drowning off the North Tyneside coast was rescued by heroic passers-by.

The incident happened at Whitley Bay on Saturday at around 4pm, when the girl became distressed in the water and two men rushed in to help.

She was then carried to the beach where a woman, who identified herself as a nurse, carried out CPR before paramedics arrived.

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The girl was transferred to hospital by paramedics and it is understood she is in a stable condition.

Mark Ward, from Northerly Swell Surfside Emporium, was one of the men who helped bring the girl ashore and praised the efforts of everyone involved.

He said: "Without hesitation, two gentlemen were already in the water, valiantly keeping a distressed girl afloat. Realizing the gravity of the situation, myself and Noah Thompson, sprang into action and rushed into the water to assist.

"Together, we safely carried the girl to the beach."

Mark said life-saving measures began as soon as the girl was back on shore.

He said: "Miraculously, as the CPR was initiated, signs of life began to return to the girl. In the midst of the chaos, a nurse who happened to be present on the beach joined the rescue efforts and seamlessly continued the life-saving procedures.

"The vigilant lifeguards, alerted by Nick Graham, a Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP) instructor from Northerly Swell, swiftly provided oxygen support to the girl."

Paramedics arrived on the scene, with Mark and his team using a paddleboard as a makeshift stretcher to move her from the water's edge.

He added: "The extraordinary bravery and rapid response demonstrated by the first nurse on the scene played a pivotal role in saving the young girl's life.

"It was later revealed that one of the gentlemen who initially held the girl afloat in the sea was the nurse's husband.

"This incident brought to light the selfless acts of both husband and wife, as well as the commendable efforts of everyone involved, including their daughter, who promptly alerted the lifeguards.

"In recognition of their heroism, the individuals involved were provided with warm hoodies from Northerly Swell and enjoyed hot beverages courtesy of Di Meo's Ice Cream.

"This incident showcased the remarkable willingness of both the public and emergency services to spring into action during a time of crisis.

"Thanks to their collective efforts, the life of the young girl was saved, and her friends, who were treated for shock, were spared potential tragedy."

A North East Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: "We were called to reports of an incident at Central Lower Promenade in Whitley Bay shortly before 4pm on Saturday, 27 May.

"We dispatched two ambulance crews, a rapid response paramedic and a clinical team leader, and transported four patients to Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital.

"A fifth patient was also assessed on scene and made their own way to hospital."

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