A Merseyside Police sergeant is being praised for an extraordinary act of bravery after he swam 150 metres into rough open water to save a woman from drowning in Liverpool Bay.

On Saturday 17 August 2024, officers were alerted by the Coastguard to two people struggling in the water between Meols Parade and Leasowe Lighthouse. Response officers were first on scene, sprinting 500 metres along the shoreline to reach the first casualty, who had managed to make it out of the water.

After a rapid assessment, Sergeant David Hicks continued another 500 metres before spotting the second casualty drifting faceup around 150 metres offshore, repeatedly slipping beneath the surface in a strong outgoing current.

With no confirmed arrival time for Coastguard or RNLI crews and recognising the woman was moments from drowning, PS Hicks made a split‑second decision. He grabbed a life ring, entered the water and began swimming out to her, with a member of public joining him to help.

Fighting the current, he reached the woman, who was drifting in and out of consciousness and struggling to breathe. He secured her onto the life ring, kept her airway clear and began the exhausting swim back to shore while supporting her weight, with assistance from the member of public. Colleagues on land used a throw line to pull both to safety.

It is believed in the seven minutes between PS Hicks first sighting the casualty and the arrival of rescue crews, the woman would almost certainly have drowned without his intervention.

PS Hicks placed himself in significant danger to save a life, demonstrating exceptional courage, leadership and determination. His actions reflect the highest standards of Merseyside Police and the commitment officers show every day to protect the public, even at great personal risk.

Merseyside Police Federation Chair Chris McGlade said: “Police officers join the service to keep our communities safe and prevent them from harm. PS Hicks actions during this extremely challenging incident exemplified this commitment, confronted with a life‑threatening situation in treacherous water conditions, he acted without hesitation, placing the safety and survival of another person firmly before his own.

“Through exceptional courage and decisive leadership, PS Hicks’s actions directly saved a life, and it is fitting we acknowledge and honour his actions accordingly.”

Chief Constable Rob Carden said: “Merseyside Police is built on the commitment of exceptional people who work tirelessly to protect local communities and Sergeant David Hicks epitomises our work.

“We don’t often get the chance to pause and reflect on the incredible work of our officers, and this is a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate Sergeant Hicks for making a real difference.

“I am immensely proud of the bravery and dedication he demonstrated during this extremely demanding incident. His decisive actions have enabled him to reach the woman and bring her back to safety.

“It serves as a real reminder of what public service is all about and I want to congratulate Sergeant David Hicks on his thoroughly deserved award.”