By Jenny Barwise

Last updated at 11:30, Friday, 14 September 2012

Police saved a woman’s life after she jumped into cold waters in Whitehaven harbour.

Incident: The west pier at Whitehaven harbour where a woman jumped off

Officers received reports that a woman was acting strangely by the lighthouse on the west pier.

They raced to the scene, but the 18-year-old had jumped into the water before they arrived.

A member of her family, a man in his 40s, also leapt into the harbour yesterday morning in an attempt to save her.

Police and other family members used a line to pull the man to safety and two police officers went into the water and dragged the woman out, before starting to try and revive her.

Sgt Chrissie Armstrong, said: “The woman was only a few metres away from the wall but was unable to help herself so myself and a colleague entered the water in order to recover her.

“Paramedics and a doctor arrived on scene very quickly and provided vital medical attention.”

The man and women were both taken to the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven for treatment.

The man was released yesterday and the woman is expected to make a full recovery.

Sgt Armstrong added: “I would like to thank the emergency services, the harbour staff and a member of the public who was willing to use a boat to help.”

However, the incident sparked a warning. Paul Harrison, of Liverpool Coastguard, said that the man who jumped in after the woman had put his own life in danger and is now appealing for anybody who finds themselves in a similar situation to always wait for professional help.

“I wouldn’t suggest to anybody to jump into the water after somebody as you could then become a casualty yourself,” said Mr Harrison. “If you see somebody in trouble dial 999 and ask for the coastguard – don’t put yourself in danger.

“The person you jump in after might come out the water, but you could be swept away.

“If there is any rescue equipment, you should throw that in first.”

Mr Harrison said that the temperature has dramatically fallen this week and has warned of the dangers of cold water shock.

“You start to shiver and take a mouthful if water and then you can’t help anybody,” he said.

First published at 11:26, Friday, 14 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk