Holland-on-Sea water rescue police receive bravery award

Police officers who rescued a drowning woman from the sea have been commended for their bravery.

Ben Herbert and Nigel McDermott leapt into action during the emergency search in Holland-on-Sea in Essex.

The woman was taken to hospital for treatment after being pulled from the water in October 2022.

Chief Constable of Essex Police Ben-Julian Harrington praised the officers for putting their lives at risk to save her.

Mr Herbert and Mr McDermott had not yet started their night shift when they responded to the call from the NHS mental health crisis team.

During a patrol of the beach at 21:53 that night, Mr McDermott spotted a woman in the water who was drifting away from the shore.

"It was pitch black but we could just see her face in the waves. I took my tactical vest off and just swam out to her," Mr Herbert said.

"But I managed to find her and started swimming back to the beach. It was a long way and I started to struggle but Nigel waded in to help us."

Mr Herbert said the water was up to his shoulders when his colleague returned with the woman, who they placed in the recovery position and called for an ambulance.

The casualty was taken to hospital where she received treatment for hypothermia and got mental health support.

"They put their own lives at risk when they entered the water, without hesitation, to save a drowning woman," the chief constable said.

"Their excellent communication skills, quick decision-making and teamwork meant they were successful and enabled her to get the mental health support she required."

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story you can contact Samaritans by calling 0330 094 5717 and help is also available via the BBC Action Line.

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