Cafe owner saves children in difficulty in the sea
A cafe owner has been commended for saving three children who got into difficulty in the sea off the Kent coast.
Steven Doorey-Williams was working at Bayside Cafe by Dumpton Gap, near Broadstairs, on Tuesday when he heard screams.
Spotting someone in trouble in the water, he grabbed a nearby life ring from the esplanade and waded out into the waves.
He warned that, while Dumpton Gap was a "perfect beach to swim at", people still needed to "be wary and respect the sea".
"It was around two in the afternoon and I was cooking in the cafe when one of the beach hut owners came in shouting for help," he said.
"So I stopped everything, ran outside and saw a boy and girl out to sea who were struggling to get back on dry land.
"The waves were high, the wind was up and they were being taken further out."
Doorey-Williams said he made his way to them and put the life ring over the girl, while the boy clung to the back of it.
However, having returned both youngsters to the beach, he noticed a third child in distress in the water.
"So I went back and did the same thing again," he said.
Doorey-Williams' actions have been called "absolute hero behaviour" by others who live and work in the area.
"Steve, you're an absolute legend, mate," said one. "What a response under pressure."
The RNLI also praised his efforts.
Jo DrakeHowever, its south east water safety lead, Guy Addington, said: "While this had a positive outcome, we would like to remind the public that entering the water to help someone in difficulty can put additional lives at risk.
"If you see someone in trouble in the water, always remember to phone 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard, then encourage the person to float on their back.
"Tell them to tilt their head back, keep their ears submerged, relax and try to control their breathing.
"Finally, throw them something to help them keep afloat, such as a lifebuoy ring."
