Davey Short, from Bishop Auckland, had only decided to visit the beach on the spur of the moment after visiting his mother who lives in Seaton Carew.
But the 48-year-old, who is a father himself, found himself instinctively diving into the sea to save the children.
Davey said: “I am not a hero, I just did what any man in my position would do.
“I just went in. I didn’t even think about it.
“I am a dad myself. I didn’t even think about the danger to myself. I just wanted to get that little lad out.
“I couldn’t not go in. There were people screaming at me not to go into the water, but I said, ‘I am not leaving that bairn’.
“I know I had put my own life at risk, but I had no choice.
“Instinct took over, I ran straight in, and swam out as far as I could. I was telling the lad to try and swim towards me.
Davey said: “Everybody has thanked me. The mother was hysterical, but she has thanked me so much and has been messaging me.”
Davey was helped by another man, reported to be Andy Ellington, 37, from Norton, who was also visiting the beach by chance with his family.
