Signs to go up in Hayling where girl almost drowned

Trevor Perry was hailed a hero during the summer after he rescued a 10-year-old girl called Amy.

She was swept out around 200m into the sea and it was only Mr Perry’s valiant efforts to swim out to her that prevented a tragedy.

Ever since Mr Perry has been determined that more prominent warning signs should be installed near the lifeboat station at Sandy Point, Eastoke, Hayling Island.

After talks with local councillors and Havant borough and Hampshire county councils, the authorities have agreed to install new signs.

The signs will warn people of the dangers of swimming at the location, which is known for treacherous currents as the tide rushes in and out of Chichester Harbour.

Mr Perry, a retired carpenter, of New Cut, Hayling Island, recently met up with Amy, who lives in Surrey, to give her the good news.

He said: ‘It’s taken some pressure to get them.

‘I’m pleased because it really does need something down there.

‘Amy is a lovely little kid. We keep in touch.’

He said the ‘what ifs?’ of what might have happened that day had he not been there still hit home.

Hayling Ukip councillor John Perry, who helped to get the signs, said: ‘Trevor had been extremely brave and risked his own life to swim out to sea to rescue two children who had been swept out off shore by the strong currents. We should recognise Trevor’s bravery and we hope that the new signs will go a long way to prevent a recurrence.’

Hayling Conservative county councillor Frank Pearce, who also helped with the signs, said: ‘We are installing some permanent signs to warn people there are fast currents there. The tide rushes in. The rocks we put up as sea defences do not help as you get more currents.’

Since the incident Amy has given Mr Perry a thank-you car and an ornament of a guardian angel.

A card from Amy’s mum read: ‘You saved my daughter’s life.

‘You risked your own and for that I will be forever grateful.’