'There were no cries for help': RNLI hero saves two young non-swimmers from tragedy
Two young people were pulled to safety from beneath the water at Skegness Beach after an alert RNLI lifeguard spotted something was wrong – despite there being no obvious signs of distress.
The dramatic rescue unfolded on May 29 as families enjoyed warm sunshine and busy conditions along one of Lincolnshire's most popular stretches of coastline.
The two youngsters, who could not swim, got into difficulty during high tide after becoming separated from their parents for a short time while the adults spoke to friends nearby.
Unnoticed by those around them, both children slipped beneath the water.
There were no cries for help, no splashing and no obvious signs that a potentially tragic incident was unfolding just metres away from beachgoers.
Fortunately, RNLI Senior Lifeguard Liam Sumner was keeping a close watch on the beach.
Having seen the youngsters earlier with their parents, he became concerned when he noticed they were no longer visible.
Liam said: "I grabbed a flotation tube and ran into the water where I'd last seen the two young people.
"I quickly found them and they were both beneath the surface. I threw the flotation tube into the water and scooped each of them up by under the arms.
"They grabbed onto the flotation tube, both clearly distressed and non-swimmers. We worked our way back to the shore, where their relieved parents ran down to see what had happened."
Now in his eleventh season as an RNLI lifeguard, Liam said the incident highlights how quickly situations can develop and how difficult it can be for others to spot somebody in trouble.
"As a lifeguard, much of what we do is maintaining a constant, vigilant watch over the beach," he said.
"We aim to spot potential situations before they occur or that something might be off when nothing else gives away that someone is in difficulty in the water."
The RNLI is using the incident to remind families to remain vigilant around the coast this summer, particularly when children are playing close to the sea.
Liam added: "It is crucial for parents to know where their family are at all times, particularly when young people are playing near the sea.
"We advise parents to always swim between the red and yellow flags at an RNLI lifeguarded beach. This provides the backup of another set of eyes in addition to your own, ensuring the safety of your family."
RNLI lifeguards are currently patrolling Skegness and Mablethorpe beaches every day between 10am and 6pm. Sutton-on-Sea will join the lifeguard rota from July 11, with all three beaches covered until September 6.
The charity is also reminding people of its "Float to Live" advice should they unexpectedly find themselves in difficulty in the water.
The incident serves as a timely reminder that danger can arise in seconds, even on a busy beach and even when no-one appears to be struggling.
Thanks to one lifeguard's sharp observation and quick actions, what could have been a tragedy ended with two young people safely back on the shore.