Southend Jubilee Beach sees mum and child rescued from water

HM Coastguard Southend was called yesterday to reports of a semi-conscious woman suspected of partial drowning pulled from the water off Jubilee Beach, in Marine Parade, at 3pm.

A young child got into difficulties in the water and was struggling to keep their head above water when their mother went in to rescue their daughter, but also got into difficulties.

Both were then pulled from the water by persons unknown.

The coastguard believes the mother was unconscious at the time, with members of the public giving first aid, after having swallowed some water.

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After she came around, the mother was then helped to the waiting ambulance for further treatment with the child.

Coastguard crews arrived on scene to find the two already in the care of the ambulance service being treated.

Southend Coastguard then supported the wider family, six young children and two adults, and worked with the paramedic to convince the mum and child they needed to go to hospital to be checked over as they were at risk of "secondary drowning".

The mum and child were then transferred to hospital with their family so the pair were able to get further treatment.

A Southend Coastguard spokesman said: "We would like to thank the members of the public that helped the two casualties out of the water and gave immediate first aid, our huge thanks and gratitude in helping them at their time of need.

"We would also like to say a big thanks to the one young child in the family group who was able to help as a translator between HM Coastguard officers and the paramedics with the casualties on scene.

"You are a credit to your family, at a time that must have been very traumatic but your composure was very commendable for someone so young, well done."

Anyone who sees others in trouble on or near the coast should dial 999 and ask for the coastguard.