Hero, 60, dies trying to save children who 'got into difficulty' in the sea

A heroic 60-year-old man has passed away after attempting to help two children who were struggling at sea. 

Lincolnshire Police revealed that the fatal incident occurred on May 25 close to the Promenade in Ingoldmells, near Skegness. 

The man had reportedly entered the water to assist the youngsters who 'appeared to be in distress' just after 4pm, but unfortunately 'got into difficulty' and was later pronounced dead at the scene. 

The air ambulance, coastguard and RNLI were deployed. 

Lincolnshire Police have so far not released any further information about the identity of the man or the children he was seeking to assist. 

A statement outlining the devastating incident by Lincolnshire Police read: 'A 60-year-old man has sadly died after entering the water to help two children who appeared to be in distress.

'The man reportedly entered the sea just after 4pm today (25 May) close to the Promenade in Ingoldmells, he got into difficulty and sadly died at the scene.

A heroic 60-year-old man has passed away after attempting to help two children who were struggling at sea close to the Promenade in Ingoldmells, near Skegness (pictured)

The man had reportedly entered the water to assist the youngsters who 'appeared to be in distress' just after 4pm, but unfortunately 'got into difficulty' and was later pronounced dead at the scene. Pictured: Ingoldmells Beach, Lincolnshire

The air ambulance, coastguard and RNLI were deployed. Lincolnshire Police have so far not released any further information about the identity of the man or the children he was seeking to assist. Pictured: stock image

'Our thoughts are with the man’s family and loved ones at this very sad time.'

In February, a coroner praised the bravery of a 'hugely courageous' British tourist, 52, who drowned while trying to save two children in the sea while at a Spanish beach. 

Bryn Thomas from Southampton, Hampshire, dived into the water in a bid to help the youngsters, aged six and seven, along with his friend and others on the Costa Blanca.

However, the 'very fit and active' businessman then got into trouble himself and died, despite the best efforts of other beachgoers in administering CPR once he was pulled from the sea.

Assistant coroner for Hampshire Kiran Chahal-Musgrave said the 52-year-old would be remembered for his bravery.

'While on holiday in Spain, Mr Thomas found some children in trouble in the sea. He made a very brave decision,' she said.

'However, he got into some difficulty and, despite CPR, passed away.

In February, a coroner praised the bravery of heroic Bryn Thomas, 52, who drowned after saving two children in the sea at a Spanish beach (Pictured: Mr Thomas with his wife Lisa Cressey)

The tragedy happened at La Roqueta beach in Guardamar del Segura (pictured), Alicante, during gusting winds of up to almost 40mph. The two children were saved but a 46-year-old Polish man also died during the incident

'I find Mr Thomas a hugely courageous, honourable man who put the lives of others before his own.

'He will always be remembered for his bravery.

'I offer my sincere condolences to the friends and family. I mean this truly. He was a very brave man.'

Mr Thomas, who owned a vehicle maintenance business, was staying in a villa with his wife Lisa Cressey and some friends at the time of the incident in June, 2024.

The tragedy happened at La Roqueta beach in Guardamar del Segura, Alicante, during gusting winds of up to almost 40mph.

The tourists had not been on the beach long when a woman came over shouting that someone was in the water.

A large group rushed to the sea edge and Mr Thomas's friend Wayne went into the water first before Mr Thomas followed, Winchester Coroner's Court was told.

Mrs Cressey did not see her husband again until he was being given CPR on the sand (Pictured: Mr Thomas and Mrs Cressey). In a statement, Mrs Cressey said her husband of 22 years was a 'special man' and 'very loved'

Mrs Cressey did not see her husband again until he was being given CPR on the sand and the inquest heard that the ambulance 'seemed to take a long time'.

The two children were saved but a 46-year-old Polish man also died during the incident.

In a statement, Mrs Cressey said her husband of 22 years was a 'special man' and 'very loved'.

The medical cause of Mr Thomas' death was anoxia caused by asphyxiation as a result of the water stopping him from breathing.