The Olympic rower James Cracknell and his 11-year-old son have reportedly saved a grandfather and his grandson from drowning at a north Devon beach yesterday evening.
According to Twitter posts from Cracknell’s wife, the TV and radio presenter Beverly Turner, the rower and his son pulled the pair from the sea at Croyde beach.
The grandson, who according to Turner’s tweets is seven years old, reportedly told Cracknell that he was “too young to die” as he rescued him from the water.
The grandfather purportedly honoured Cracknell with saving his life before exclaiming at the sight of his celebrity rescuer saying “Bloody hell. It’s the rower!”
Turner said that her son Croyde, who is 11 years old and named after the beach, remained “cool, quick thinking, kind and brave” during the incident, while the rescued boy thanked Cracknell by vomiting on his wetsuit.
After the incident Turner said that all parties were “shaken but fine”.
Last night @jamescracknell + 11 year old @croydecracknell rescued drowning grandfather + grandson on @CroydeBay.Terrifying + amazing.vproud.
— Beverley Turner (@beverleyturner) August 9, 2015
You never know how your kids will respond in a crisis..@croydecracknell was cool, quick thinking, kind and brave. #thankgodforthat
— Beverley Turner (@beverleyturner) August 9, 2015
And @jamescracknell was vomited upon by young boy! At least he was wearing a wet suit...
— Beverley Turner (@beverleyturner) August 9, 2015
"I'm 7. I'm too young to die"...that's what the boy said as james got to him in the water...! lifeguards not on beach at that time.
— Beverley Turner (@beverleyturner) August 9, 2015
Everyone walked away, shaken but fine. The nearly-drowned grandad: 'that lad on that board saved my life' + 'bloody hell. It's the rower!'
— Beverley Turner (@beverleyturner) August 9, 2015
Chivenor RMB Search and Rescue team told the North Devon Journal that they were called to an incident involving people in the water at either Croyde or Woolacombe beach, but were later told they had already been pulled out of the water.
A Coastguard added that they were unable to confirm Turner's specific details.
Read more: James Cracknell: Back from the brink
James Cracknell really needs support in his lonely battle
My Life In Travel: James Cracknell
Cracknell is a double Olympic gold medallist winning gold in 2000 and 2004. In 2004 he was awarded an OBE for services to sport.
