Family of toddler saved from drowning in River Lune near Lancaster thank 'guardian angel' and warn of 'dangerous, fast water' at beauty spot

Susan McDonald swam into the river and plucked unconscious three-year-old Hayaa Mazaleen from the fast flowing current, saving her life.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The rescue at the Crook O'Lune on Saturday August 8 has prompted Hayaa's family, who live in Wigan, to warn of the dangerous water at the beauty spot.

It was the family's first trip to the area, and they said they weren't aware of the deep water and fast flowing current, as there were no warning signs they could see.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The three-year-old fell into the river and floated face down for 200m before Susan McDonald, who is a trained lifeguard, swam in and plucked her out of the water, giving her CPR until she started to breathe again.

Susan McDonald with three-year-old Hayaa.Susan McDonald with three-year-old Hayaa.
Susan McDonald with three-year-old Hayaa.

Susan was only there as she had met up with family half way between Manchester, where she lives, and Whitehaven, where her family live.

The full story and Susan's account is HERE.

Hayaa's father Annas, who had initially tried to go into the water after his daughter, said the family was "so lucky" that Susan had been there.

It is understood he had turned his back for a few seconds on a small beach area below the Crook O' Lune bridge.

Susan with Hayaa's family.Susan with Hayaa's family.
Susan with Hayaa's family.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He said: "It was the first time we'd been there, and it was very dangerous.

"There weren't any signs to tell us that it was dangerous, and I just want to say that we don't want this to happen to any other children.

"We were so lucky that Susan was there.

"We had lost hope that we could get my daughter back as the water was so fast.

The bridge at the Crook O' Lune.The bridge at the Crook O' Lune.
The bridge at the Crook O' Lune.

"I can't thank Susan enough for what she did. She was a guardian angel.

"It was a very good thing to meet her.

"We thanked her and gave her a present for what she did."

Susan added: "It was a relief to see her smiling face and her being a normal child again.

"It was lovely to meet the rest of the family as she has an older brother and sister."

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.