Ian Pascoe, 62, from Peterlee, has been identified as the second hero who lost his life in a North East sea tragedy while rescuing youngsters in danger at Seaton Carew beach. His family says he didn't think twice before rushing to help, telling his wife: 'Here, hold this for me (his phone), I will be back in a bit.'
Heroic Act on a Family Day Out
Mr Pascoe had been enjoying a beach walk with his wife and family when he sprinted to assist dad Wayne Taylor in pulling his nine-year-old son and younger daughter to safety. Tragically, RNLI crews recovered both men's bodies after racing to the scene on Sunday.
In an emotional tribute, Ian's son Dan, 30, said: 'He was the kind of person who has always done the right thing. He stood up for what he thought was right and took action when other people might have stood by and watched. He always lived his life like that, and I am so proud of him and so proud to call him my dad.'
Father-of-Two Had Recently Returned from Saudi Arabia
Father-of-two Mr Pascoe had recently come home from a job in Saudi Arabia to spend quality time with his loved ones. He was strolling along the shoreline when he spotted the children in trouble, handed over his phone and leapt into the water without hesitation.
'It was a Sunday afternoon walk at the beach for some fish and chips and ice cream,' Dan added. 'He was with my mam and my daughter, his granddaughter. We are so happy that the children who were in difficulty survived, and so sad that they lost their dad. My dad did not hesitate when he saw the children in difficulty. He passed his phone to my mum and said, "Here, hold this for me, I will be back in a bit." He was never one to hold back; he would never witness, he would always act - and he went in to try and save them. I know that he would do it 10 times over if he thought that he was going to save a child's life. And that's why we are so proud of him.'
Family Backs Water Safety Campaign
Mr Pascoe, who had been working as a trainer back in the UK, returned from Saudi Arabia two years ago, having spent 17 years working there. Dan added: 'He did not do anything for recognition or glory. He was just a really good man. He was a big advocate for action and so am I. So we back the campaign for action and to raise awareness of water dangers. We don't want to talk about things, we need to do things. Something has to be done to improve water safety. Then his death will not be in vain.'
The family has supported calls to increase water safety awareness to address the UK's escalating drowning crisis. Over 2,600 people have signed a petition demanding more lifeguards at the popular Seaton Carew beach following the deaths of two men over the weekend.
Fundraiser for Wayne Taylor's Family
The petition was initiated by the childhood best friend of Jordan Moon, who was eight years old when he was swept out to sea by a freak wave 23 years ago. A fundraiser has also been launched to help the family of Mr Taylor, who was named in the drive set up by family friend Shannon Bailey.
She wrote: 'On behalf of Wayne Taylor, who sadly lost his life on the 12th of July 2026 after struggling at Seaton Carew beach, Hartlepool, when his children got into difficulties in the water during their family day out. Wayne jumped in and tried his best to save them, along with another member of the public who also sadly lost his life. We would like to thank everyone who attended to the family at the beach and helped save their children-they are forever grateful. Sadly, two men lost their lives, and no one could describe the pain the families are feeling or enduring during this difficult time. I have set up this GoFundMe to try and take the weight off the family and help towards funeral costs and the children at this very sad time... any help would be appreciated. Thank you.'
A member of Wayne's family, who lives in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, told how his partner and the mother of his children had been criticised on social media. She added: 'The mum did nothing wrong, and she does not deserve this criticism. She needs to be able to grieve with her children without this in their lives. It is like a hate campaign, has she not suffered enough? We are so sorry for the family of the man who tried to save the children and lost his life.'
Town Mourns 'Heartbreaking Tragedy'
Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash described the incident as 'a heartbreaking tragedy' for the town. He said: 'Two men went into the sea to help children in difficulty at Seaton Carew. Those children were saved. The two men who went to help did not come home. No words can lessen the pain their families, friends and loved ones are now experiencing. My thoughts are with them all, and I know the whole town will be holding them close in our hearts at this tragic time.'
Davey Short, of Bishop Auckland, also entered the water to pull the children to safety. He said: 'The children's mother was on the beach, she was hysterical and asking if I could help because she couldn't swim. Her eldest son had gone into the water as well to try to rescue his brother and sister but they were still out there. I managed to get hold of the boy.'
