Cops rescue woman who wandered into freezing ocean at night

By Adam Dutton via SWNS

Dramatic footage shows brave police officers running into freezing waters to save the life of a woman who waded out to sea in pitch-black darkness at a beach.

Emergency services were called to reports of a woman in difficulty at Skegness Beach after she entered the North Sea late Saturday night.

Hero cops then waded into the sea chest-deep despite chilly water and pitch-black conditions to try and reach the stranded victim.

With the help of a thermal imaging drone launched by Lincolnshire Police, they were able to locate her in the darkness and bring her safely back to shore.

The woman was taken to hospital but was found to be uninjured and police confirmed everybody involved in the rescue was "safe and well."

The force shared the "extraordinary" moment quick-thinking officers entered the water without any hesitation on social media the following day.

In a statement, Lincolnshire Police said: "Our officers would say that this – running into the freezing cold sea at Skegness, without hesitation, in the pitch black of night, to help save the life of a lady in need of help – is just part of the job.

"We think many people would say it’s not, and that this is actually quite an extraordinary thing to do.

"Our officers, all from the Neighborhood Tasking Team in Skegness, were last night called to the area by members of the public after they saw the woman going into the water.

"The drone was launched, which was vital in the search to find her. Our officers waded in and brought her safely out of the water.

"The three men who called us, who also happened to be asylum seekers in the area, were a big part of helping to save the life of this woman and even stayed afterwards to help carry the kit of our waterlogged officers as they helped the woman to safety.

"We are really grateful to them for their help and their community spirit.

"The lady was taken to hospital and apart from being cold and wet, she and everybody else involved was safe and well.

"Our officers will need to replace their soggy boots, though.

"Some people think the job of a police officer is all about sirens, blue flashing lights and arrests, but there’s so much more to it.

"It’s about being in the right place, at the right time, to help people who most need us, and doing things that change the lives of others.

"It’s running into the darkness into chest-high, cold water in Skegness, without stopping to think, to save the life of a stranger.

"And we think that is more than just part of the job."

Members of the public praised the officers' actions on social media, with Lesley Tasker writing: "That's brilliant work. Well done everyone involved because that must have been pretty scary."

Gillian Blahyj added: "Thank you to all involved , putting your own lives at risk to help a member of the public like this shows your courage to help someone when in need."

Mandy Jane Linder said: "What amazing human beings you are, carrying out a life saving task which is intense enough in day light.

"Let alone in the pitch dark…. A massive well done to all the officers Involved in the rescue, hope the lady is OK too."