A TEENAGER has been hailed a hero after a lovers' tiff turned into a dramatic sea rescue off Mudeford.

Carl Simmons, 19, from New Milton, dived into the water after spotting two people in trouble off Avon Beach on Sunday night.

While Carl braved wind and weather to reach the couple, his sister Lucinda phoned the emergency services.

A joint rescue was launched involving the Mudeford inshore lifeboat, Southbourne Coastguards and the Portland Coastguard helicopter.

The drama unfolded at around 9.30pm when a man entered the sea after arguing with his girlfriend on the beach.

She followed him into the water where they both got into difficulty about 100 metres from the shore.

Carl, who was cycling with his sister, heard their cries for help and dived in. He reached the woman first and managed to hold her head above water until help arrived.

One lifeboatman entered the water to keep Carl and the woman afloat while the lifeboat picked up the man who was submerged.

All three were returned to the shore by the lifeboat and the couple from London, who were staying in a nearby caravan park, were taken to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital for a check up.

Mudeford Lifeboat station press officer, Debbie Doe, said: "They were very, very lucky.

"The water was very, very cold. There was a strong north-westerly wind and tide which made conditions very difficult.

"Carl showed considerable bravery to go in the water and Lucinda did the right thing in raising the alarm."

Are you the couple mentioned in this story? Call the Echo newsdesk on 01202 411293.

First published: May 10