Rescue efforts to save a mum trapped in sea defence rocks did not follow guidance.

Saffron Cole-Nottage, 32, died after falling in Lowestoft, Suffolk, while walking her dog.

A 999 call was made at 7.52pm. A paramedic arrived at 8.10pm. Police were informed at 8.13pm. Her cause of death was drowning. The rescue efforts did not follow guidance. The paramedic arrived quickly.

Professor Richard Lyon said a clock should start on 30 minutes of rescue efforts once a responder arrives on scene.

Floral tributes were left at the scene for Saffron Cole-Nottage.

Prof Lyon said: 'I do not think the guidance was followed in this case.'

He said the guidance is clear that the clock starts when the responder arrives on scene and submersion is confirmed. He questioned the responders' decision. The situation was difficult.

Prof Lyon said it's important to have an absolute time that everyone is working to. The guidance is clear that the time should be from the arrival of the first rescuer.

He cautioned that information on timings from a bystander may be inaccurate. He said there could be an air pocket. The initial focus is always on rescue.

The tragedy took place while Ms Cole-Nottage was walking her dog along a narrow path.

Prof Lyon said the length of time a person could survive while submerged depends on factors like age and environment.

A submerged person would initially attempt to hold their breath. They would then take a breath and water would enter the mouth and upper airway.

Prof Lyon estimated Ms Cole-Nottage’s window for probable survival was around five minutes. Being upside down made breathing harder.

The inquest heard that a level of 271 milligrammes of alcohol per 100ml of blood was recorded for Ms Cole-Nottage.

Prof Lyon said the effect of the alcohol is that it would make her more likely to stumble. Her protective reflex would have been diminished.

Prof Lyon said for Saffron to have had a probable survival, she would have needed to be rescued within five minutes.

He said survival was possible up until about the 15-minute mark, but she may have sustained a brain injury.

The expert said all of these numbers are a best possible opinion. The inquest continues.