In a heroic act of bravery, a journalist from BBC Scotland was honored with a Police Scotland bravery award for saving a woman from the sea in Orkney. Linda Sinclair, who was also acknowledged by the Royal Humane Society, vividly remembered the intense day that unfolded as she went for a swim at the beach with her sister. The dramatic events played out as Linda and her sister, Gail, were en route to Inganess Beach, where they noticed a woman walking in the middle of the road, oblivious to their presence.
The peaceful surroundings of Inganess Beach, filled with the occasional dog walker and a child playing on the rocks, set the scene for the unexpected turn of events that unfolded. The woman, visibly distraught and crying as she knelt in the sand, captured Linda’s attention as they made their way into the sea. Despite the initial attempts to calm her down and lead her back to shore, the woman’s actions revealed the urgency of the situation, prompting Linda to seek help from the authorities.
With a swift and decisive action, Linda ran to get assistance, flagging down a passing car to call emergency services. As the police arrived at the scene and tried to persuade the woman to return ashore, the tension grew. With a background in swimming and a determination to rescue the woman, Linda ventured into the water, engaging in a heartfelt conversation with her to convince her to come back to safety.
As they returned to the shore together, the relief was palpable, with the woman expressing her gratitude in a heartfelt embrace. The incident resulted in Linda being recognized for her courageous actions, though she humbly attributed her response to instinct rather than bravery. Reflecting on the experience, Linda acknowledged the impact of personal loss in connecting with the woman and preventing a tragic outcome. The memory of that fateful day at the beach continues to resonate with Linda, serving as a testament to the enduring impact of her actions
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