PC Ian Chattun and Sergeant Katy Evans

Detective Sergeant (DS) Katy Evans and Police Constable (PC) Ian Chattun from Dyfed Powys police saved a woman from drowning on Aberystwyth seafront. The woman had a recent history of self-harm and was found at the North Beach area of Aberystwyth in distress. DS Evans and PC Chattun ran to the beach where her friends were frantically trying to stop the woman from going further into the water but  suddenly she was swept out beyond the surf line.

Without a thought for their own safety, the officers plunged into the water, along with a member of the public and fought their way towards the woman but a combination of rip tides and the woman’s determination to get away from them meant everyone was soon in well over their heads.

DS Evans had activated the emergency button on her radio, alerting nearby officers that something was wrong. When backup arrived and reached the waterline, DS Evans, PC Chattun and a member of the public managed to bring the woman safely back to shore and handed her over to the care of paramedics.

The officers have been nominated for a national Police Bravery Award.

Sergeant David Hawksworth, who nominated the officers for the award, said:

"Both officers showed extraordinary and selfless bravery in making the split-second decision to enter the water…there is no doubt that if they had not reacted instantly, placing themselves at serious risk of drowning, then this young woman would have been lost in the darkness and swept out to sea."