Officers rescue two men from River Trent

10:12am Fri Apr 16, 2010

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Two police officers risked their lives to rescue two men from a notoriously dangerous part of the River Trent, Newark.

The rescue happened just before 4.15pm on Sunday at Brewers Wharf, Newark.

The two men jumped in believing they could swim to the other side.

A/Sgt Simon Brooks and PC John Chappel saw one of the men who appeared unresponsive in the river. They grabbed life rings, jumped into the water, swam about 25 metres against the current and pulled him to safety.

They then noticed a second man clinging to bushes at the side of the river. The officers threw him a life ring, ran up the side of the riverbank before getting back into the water and pulling him to safety.

Both men were taken to hospital as a precaution and were subsequently issued with fixed penalty notices for being drunk and disorderly.

Both police officers got changed and continued their shift. They have since been given the all-clear at a check up at hospital after being submerged in the water.

Chief Superintendent Dave Wakelin, Divisional Commander for Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood, said: “The actions of my officers without a doubt saved the lives of these two men. The officers jumped into the river without any thought for their own safety and despite swimming against the strong current conducted an extremely brave rescue.

“This area of the River Trent has unfortunately seen people drown and should serve as a warning to others thinking about jumping into the water, as they not only put themselves at risk but also others who try to save them.

“Policing is not simply about fighting crime, it is also about ensuring the safety of the public. I am very proud of A/Sgt Brooks and PC Chappel who went above the call of duty to perform this rescue. They are a credit to themselves and Nottinghamshire Police.”