A COUPLE almost died after they were swept into the sea while on holiday in Devon.

Stephen and Jean Baines, of Main Road, Smalley, were enjoying a trip to the beach when a series of large waves carried them and their dog into the water.

Mr Baines, who walks on crutches, managed to grab hold of his wife's hand as they struggled in the water before quickly losing strength and his grip on her.

The 62-year-old, who runs Smalley Stores, said: "We were less than minutes from death.

"I thought Jean was dead and I lost the will to live.

"I lay in the sea thinking I'm not bothered about getting out now – I really did think Jean had drowned."

Mrs Baines, 60, said: "I remember being taken up on a wave and knocked up and down on it. I could feel myself starting to go unconscious."

The couple were on Thurlestone Sands, in South Devon, a beach which they have visited for the past 25 years, during a holiday to celebrate their 41st wedding anniversary.

Mrs Baines had gone onto the beach with their Golden Retriever, Bailey, while her husband watched them from the steps.

She was swept out to sea as she stood watching the dog playing in the surf.

Mr Baines said: "There was a freak wave which crashed on to the beach and went right round her and then straight away another massive wave came and knocked her off her balance and then a third one took her into the sea.

"It was so surreal. Frightening is not the word."

Mr Baines managed to get down onto the sand but fell to his hands and knees as a result of his disability.

At that moment another wave carried him into the water.

He said: "It swallowed me up. I got hold of Jean's hand and I was shouting "fight it, Jean, fight it".

"I could feel her fingers going out of mine and then the next wave took her and went over me and I lay in the water.

"I saw her being washed about like a rag doll."

Moments later, the couple were rescued by local residents who took them ashore and wrapped them in blankets while they waited for the ambulance.

Mr Baines said: "They pulled Jean out alongside of me. It was such a relief. I couldn't believe she had got out of the sea.

"That night I couldn't sleep at all just thinking how lucky I was that she was still alive. I just keep giving her a cuddle."