Man struggling in sea is rescued by police chief
AN off-duty police chief saved a man’s life after spotting him struggling in the sea when she was walking her dog.
Chief Superintendent Janice Hutton was walking near Spanish City, in Whitley Bay, with her dog Arthur on Wednesday when she spotted the man struggling in the sea.
After a closer look and confirmation from a bystander, she called 999 to get help.
But with no time to lose, she selflessly sprung into action and waded into the icy North Sea in a bid to bring him to safety.
The man was in a confused state and was struggling to keep afloat against the tide.
Chf Spt Hutton, helped by onlookers, managed to bring the man back to safety. And with the help of a nurse who had been walking by, put him into the recovery position and waited for her the emergency services to arrive.
The man was checked over by an ambulance crew at the scene who confirmed he had not suffered any serious injuries.
However, he was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Chief Sup Hutton said: “Anyone who knows me, knows how much I adore my dog Arthur, but in this situation, there was no time to lose and he didn’t get so much as a backward glance as I raced towards the water.
“After 28 years in policing, training just kicks in and it’s not an option not to help a person in need.
“It wasn’t an easy rescue but thankfully a few heroic members of the public were quick to come to the rescue and together we all managed to safely get the man out of the water and away from danger.
“Thanks to all who assisted - you were incredibly brave and it’s always amazing to see how compassionate and helpful those who live in our Force area truly are.”
A sodden Chief Sup Hutton was reunited with her beloved Arthur.
She added: “I hope my next walk is more relaxing but I’ll never be someone to not help a person in need and I am so thankful I was there to help.”