Police have confirmed that a woman in her 60s has died after suffering a medical episode following a sea swim at Devil’s Point in Plymouth. Emergency services were alerted shortly before 5pm on Saturday, 11 July, and despite treatment at the scene the woman was pronounced dead. Officers say the death is not being treated as suspicious and her next of kin have been informed.
Emergency response at popular waterfront location
Devil’s Point sits on the eastern side of the mouth of the River Tamar where it meets the English Channel, a spot well known locally for coastal walks and water access. Devon and Cornwall Police received the call at around 4.50pm, with the South Western Ambulance Service dispatching two double-crewed ambulances and an air ambulance to the scene. An operations officer also attended.
“We were called at around 4.50pm on Saturday, July 11, following a report of a woman suffering a medical episode after swimming at Devil's Point, Plymouth. Emergency services attended but sadly the local woman in her 60s was pronounced deceased. Her next of kin is aware. The death is not being treated as suspicious,” a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said.
Timeline of the incident
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 16:34 | Ambulance service receives call and mobilises resources |
| ~16:50 | Police notified of medical episode after sea swim at Devil's Point |
| Late afternoon | Two ambulances, an air ambulance and an operations officer attend |
| Later | Woman pronounced deceased at the scene |
What residents need to know
While full circumstances have not been detailed by authorities, the location is a prominent part of Plymouth’s waterfront where residents and visitors frequently gather. Police have stressed there are no suspicious circumstances. The woman’s family has been notified.
The ambulance service confirmed its deployment to the incident, stating it sent two land ambulances, an air ambulance and an operations officer. No further medical information has been released.
Community context and safe access to the water
With more people heading to the shoreline during warm weather, local agencies routinely advise checking conditions and being mindful of personal health when entering open water. In any coastal emergency, people should call 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If you see anyone in difficulty, do not put yourself at risk—seek help immediately and provide clear location details.
- If you witness an incident at the waterfront, call 999 and request the Coastguard.
- Follow on-scene directions from police and ambulance crews; avoid obstructing access routes for emergency vehicles.
- Be aware that popular viewpoints and access points can become crowded during hot spells, making swift emergency access essential.
Devon and Cornwall Police said they would not be releasing the woman’s identity at this time. Further updates are not expected unless new information emerges.
