Steven Doorey-Williams, 56, a cafe owner and former Royal Marine and firefighter, entered the water fully clothed to rescue three children who were struggling in rough seas off Dumpton Gap beach near Broadstairs on Wednesday.
Doorey-Williams, who owns the Bayside Cafe, noticed the children in distress and immediately entered the water with a buoyancy ring. He first rescued a young girl and a boy, then returned to save a second boy who was in deeper water. Witnesses described his actions as heroic and without hesitation.
Jo Drake, a witness, stated, "He didn't hesitate when he heard the screaming. He just waded in fully clothed and rescued the children. He's a hero." Another witness, Andy Milnes, confirmed, "I saw the whole incident. Steve was there immediately and assisted all three kids ashore."
The rescue occurred amidst a period of concern over water safety incidents. Earlier in the week, a boy drowned off the coast of Yorkshire after being caught in a rip tide shortly after lifeguards had finished their shift. Separately, a 14-year-old boy drowned in east London's Millwall Outer Dock. In January, a similar tragedy at Withernsea resulted in the deaths of a 15-year-old girl, her mother, and a man who attempted a rescue. In July, a family outing at West Mersea Beach led to the deaths of a seven-year-old boy and his 15-year-old cousin, as well as the cousin's mother, who were swept away by a strong tide.
According to PA news agency, at least 39 deaths have been reported this summer in connection with open-water incidents in the UK. The National Water Safety Forum recorded 202 water-related fatalities across the UK last year, with data for the current year expected in May.