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Flowers have been left at the scene of the heartbreaking incident as more than £8,000 has been raised to support the family of Wayne Taylor

Floral tributes left at scene of double sea death tragedy in Seaton Carew(Image: Teesside Live)

Floral tributes have been left near Seaton Carew beach where two dads tragically lost their lives. Wayne Taylor and Ian Pascoe died after entering the North Sea to help Wayne's two children, who were in difficulty in the water.

Devastatingly, following a rescue operation, both men were brought back to shore where they were pronounced dead by paramedics on Sunday, July 12. Teesside Live reported previously how Mr Taylor jumped in the water and tried his best to save his children after they got into difficulty during their family day out.

Mr Pascoe, a 62-year-old grandad, was walking along the beach with his wife and granddaughter and did not hesitate to act when he saw the family in trouble, his son said. Now bouquets of flowers have been left at the scene paying tribute to the "true hero".

Ian Pascoe, 62, was with his wife and granddaughter on Seaton Carew beach (Image: Family/Teesside Live)

Floral tributes left at scene of double sea death tragedy in Seaton Carew(Image: Teesside Live)

Paying an emotional tribute to his dad, Ian's son Dan, 30, said: "He was the kind of person who has always done the right thing. He stood up for what he thought was right and took action when other people might have stood by and watched.

"He always lived his life like that, and I am so proud of him and so proud to call him my dad."

More than £8,700 has also been raised to support Mr Taylor's family following the tragedy and will help towards funeral costs and supporting the children. Family friend Shannon Bailey set up the fundraising campaign with the initial hope of raising £5,000 to support Mr Taylor's family.

Dad Wayne Taylor, who died after going into the sea to try to save his children at Seaton Carew on Sunday, July 12

Mr Taylor and Mr Pascoe were among four men who entered the water to come to the children's aid. The youngsters were rescued and taken to hospital for precautionary checks.

Davey Short, of Bishop Auckland, also went into the water to bring the children out. He said: "The children’s mother was on the beach, she was hysterical and asking if I could help because she couldn't swim. Her eldest son had gone into the water as well to try to rescue his brother and sister but they were still out there. I managed to get hold of the boy."

Speaking to the Mirror, Mr Pascoe's family has backed calls to raise water safety awareness to tackle the UK's growing drowning crisis. More than 3,000 people have signed a petition calling for more lifeguards at the popular Seaton Carew beach after two men lost their lives over the weekend. The petition was launched by the childhood best friend of Jordan Moon, who was eight years old when he was swept out to sea by a freak wave 23 years ago.

The fundraiser for Mr Taylor's family can be found here.

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