Woman is rescued from Blackpool sea by police officers

Officers bravely waded into the water near Central Pier to save the woman at 9.30pm last night (June 24).

They had rushed to the seafront, along with Coastguard crews from Lytham, after concerned members of the public reported the woman in the sea.

Officers arrived on scene, along with Coastguard crews from Lytham, and a woman in her 20s was found in the sea close to the pier.

Police said the woman was taken to a waiting ambulance and has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

A police spokesperson said: "We were called at around 9.30pm to reports of a concern for welfare after a woman in her 20s was found in the sea close to Central Pier.

"She was rescued from the water by police officers and detained under the Mental Health Act."

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard Lytham added: "We were called out for the third time today at 9.29pm this evening to assist Blackpool Police with an incident near to Central Pier.

"We arrived on scene and assisted the police and passed the casualty into the care of North West Ambulance Service."

Earlier in the day, the coastguard had responded to two other life-threatening incidents.

At 1.26pm, the team was called out along with RNLI teams from Lytham and St Annes to reports of a person stranded on a sand bank close to Fairhaven Lake.

The casualty was rescued and taken safely to shore by lifeboat.

They were then called out again at 4.16pm to help police who were responding to reports of a missing child on St Anne's Beach.

A spokesman said: "We quickly arrived on scene and searched the tide line and thankfully we located the child and reunited to a very relieved mother.

"Lytham RNLI was also tasked to search the water but they were stood down as they arrived at their station."

The team has offered some crucial advice for families visiting the seaside.

"When you arrive to the beach, take a photograph of your child/children in case they go missing and we will have an accurate description of what we are searching for.

"Be beach smart, and if you see a coastal emergency, call and ask for the Coastguard!"