‘He’s my hero’ – woman thanks stranger who jumped into Skegness boating lake to save her

Sarah Kirkham remains in hospital following the frightening incident and is due to undergo an MRI scan, but she says she will never forget the man who put himself in danger to keep her safe.

Speaking to Lincolnshire World from her hospital bed, she said she had been helping push a paddle boat out after it became stuck with two people on board when the accident happened.

Recalling the terrifying moment, she said: “I was pushing the paddle boat out as it got stuck with two ladies in it.

“As I pushed, my footing went. One leg went under the boat and the other went up the bank. After that I couldn’t get my footing and kept slipping back into the water.

“It was scary. I couldn’t stand up.”

It was then that Army veteran Ian Walkier who was passing by noticed Sarah was in difficulty and immediately went to help.

Ian said: “I was walking around the boating lake and saw Sarah in the water. At first I thought she was just having fun, but then realised she was in distress.

“I asked if she needed help and went down from the path by the bridge.

“I attempted to pull her out of the water but she wasn’t able to weight bear, so I couldn’t manage this and ended up in the water supporting her.”

Ian stayed with Sarah and kept her above the water until further help arrived.

He said: “A second man came and between us we manoeuvred the boat closer to the edge to allow us to pull her up the bank.

“I then got her back onto the bench she was originally sat on.

“My partner Sara contacted the emergency services whilst this was going on and my daughter Mia sat with Sarah holding her hand and reassuring her until the boating lake staff turned up.”

Despite the dramatic rescue, Ian added with a smile that his phone and wallet had thankfully survived his unexpected swim.

Sarah said she was incredibly grateful to Ian and everyone who came to help.

“One man didn’t think twice and ended up in the lake with me,” she said.

“He held me up until more people came as I couldn’t put weight down on one side.

“Thank you to everyone who helped me.”