Ian Pascoe, in his 60s, from Peterlee, was a passer by when two children got into difficulty in the North Sea on Sunday, July 12.
He, and the children’s dad, whose been named as Wayne Taylor, believed to be from Shildon, did not hesitate to jump in the choppy waters to try and save the children in difficulty.
Tragically, the RNLI recovered the two men’s bodies and they were pronounced dead at the scene.
Floral Tributes to the two men who died saving children from the sea at Seaton Carew (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES LTD)
The two children were saved by other members of the public, including Davey Short and Andy Ellington, who all got to shore safely.
The two men have now been hailed as ‘heroes’ online after they made the ultimate sacrifice and died trying to save the young kids.
Dozens of flowers and letters describing the pair as heroes have been laid at various points along the seafront after the tragedy on Sunday (July 12).
One tribute reads: “To the beautiful dad and heroes who fought to save the children, never forgotten.”
Floral Tributes to the two men who died saving children from the sea at Seaton Carew (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES LTD)
Another said: “To the brave heroes that put themselves first to help the two kids… Thinking of you.”
A third tribute read: “There are no words I have to heal the pain for these two men’s families. Died as heroes on our beach.
“God bless – good night to you both.
“Biggest hugs and powers of strength to the families now parted. So very sorry for your loss.”
Wayne Taylor has been named in a fundraiser online as one of the men who has died trying to save two children from the sea (Image: GO FUND ME)
Wayne who has been identified and pictured in an online fundraising appeal launched by family friend Shannon Bailey, which had raised more than £3,800 within 24 hours at the time of publication.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Cleveland Police said officers are continuing enquiries on behalf of the Coroner while supporting the families involved.
Hartlepool Borough Council has also confirmed it will carry out a full review of water safety arrangements at Seaton Carew and across the borough’s coastline.