Worried residents are calling for improvements to a new slipway following a near-miss at the popular harbour.

Former Whitehaven woman Laura Matzk was enjoying the scenery at Whitehaven Harbour with her nine-year-old son, Conrad, when she was forced to spring into action to save a man’s life.

After seeing an elderly man and his dog struggling to walk on the sand, with the tide coming in around them, the 32-year-old ran to help.

But the biggest problem for the pair was the newly-installed slipway, created by the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners as part of the new £3.6 million redevelopment of the town, which blocked the man’s path and left him stranded.

“I could see him struggling and trying to get up on the side of [the slipway], but because the stairs were already blocked by the water, he couldn’t get out,” Mrs Matzk said.

“The only way to get him out of the way and safe again was to lift him up over the wall, and then two men saw what I was doing and came over to help.

“If nobody had been around I dread to think what would have happened to him.”

And now many have shared their anger at the dangers posed by the slipway, with residents calling for an exit to be installed on both sides of the ramp, allowing anyone who finds themselves caught off guard by the tide to easily move out of harm’s way.

The now-Workington woman said: “It’s been really badly planned, and it’s absolutely ridiculously placed – it could have been put on the other side so it was less dangerous.

“They’ve completely ruined the little beach for everyone, and people now just need to be really careful.

“Anyone wanting to go down there should only do it if they can scale walls easily, or have the tide times memorised.”

The Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team has shared its thoughts on the matter, encouraging everyone contemplating a visit to the harbour to remain vigilant in their planning before heading out.

Commenting on the rescue, a spokesman for the team said: “Laura raises a good point, and thankfully this had a good outcome.

“Please make sure you check the tide times before using the beach as it’s easy to get caught out.

“If you see anyone in difficulty on the coast or at sea, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.”

And Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners shared the coastguard's thoughts, stressing that the tide times are accessible online for all those who need them.

A spokesman said: "The tide times are online and available to everyone.

"We would encourage everyone to check tide times and heights regularly, as high winds, like we've been having currently, can increase the tide by up to one metre."

They continued: "We are aware of the issues with the slipway, and are designing new, permanent steps that will be better for people to use.

"Risk assessments were carried out, but unfortunately if the risk proves too high, and people continue to have concerns, we will have to close the Golden Sands until the work is completed."