Local hero honoured after saving three children swept into sea near Blackpool's North Pier
A local woman has been honoured for her extraordinary bravery after saving three 12-year-old children who were swept into the sea near Blackpool’s North Pier.
Lauren Parkinson received the Alistair Taylor Award for Bravery from the Fylde Kids Foundation at the weekend, recognising her swift and courageous actions during a frightening incident on June 15.
HM Coastguard Fleetwood, who were responding to their second emergency call of the day, said crews felt “an instant sense of urgency” when the alert came in reporting “children in the water”.
Other rescue assets and beach patrol teams also raced to the scene.
On their way, crews were relieved to learn that the children had already been pulled from the sea by a member of the public - later identified as Lauren.
The children had been swept from the steps just north of North Pier by what the Coastguard described as a “rogue wave”, plunging them into a rough and turbulent stretch of water where recovery is notoriously difficult.
They were in danger of being dragged under the pier, which rescuers say would have made the situation “incredibly challenging” and potentially life-threatening.
Reacting instantly, Lauren called 999, grabbed a public life ring and threw it to the struggling youngsters before helping to haul them back up the steps to safety.
Beach Patrol arrived moments later to assist.
The children were taken to hospital with cuts, bruises and swallowed seawater but were discharged the same day.
Coastguard crews say there is “no doubt” that without Lauren’s intervention, both the children - and potentially rescuers - could have faced far more serious danger.
Praising her courage, HM Coastguard Fleetwood said: “Congratulations Lauren on that highly deserved recognition.
“It really is no small thing to see people in trouble and overcome all the natural stress responses and turn that into valuable action.
“Especially so boldly, effectively and with such presence of mind so as to not become a casualty yourself.
“You made a huge difference to more people than you can know that day and we're really pleased you were there at that moment. As we say in the nautical world, Bravo Zulu.”