River warning issued

Police are advising the public to stay out of Nottinghamshire’s waterways in warm weather.

The warning comes after several people have jumped into the River Trent, mostly after drinking alcohol — putting their lives, and anyone attempting to rescue them, at risk.

Last month, a police sergeant and a constable rescued two men who challenged each other to a race across the Trent at Newark after a drinking session. Both were issued with fixed-penalty notices for being drunk and disorderly.

In April, 19-year-old Daniel Hulland, of Bulwell, drowned when he got into difficulty after getting into the water with friends at West Bridgford.

Last week, a man who had been drinking on the riverbank in Nottingham attempted to swim to the other side. He was saved by officers and taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Pc Paul Easter, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Underwater Search Unit, said: “Alcohol impairs judgment and can make people think they are invincible.

“After a few drinks they jump into the river believing it to be a bit of fun. They don’t think about the strength of the current or what will happen if they can’t make it to the other side.

“Warm weather attracts people to the river bank, and we often find within this picturesque location that bars and restaurants feature.

“Fast flowing water and alcohol is not an attractive combination and can, if people are not careful, be extremely dangerous.

“With added weight of shoes and clothing and the water being cold, individuals may not be as good at swimming as they think.

“The best solution would be for people to think twice about their actions and not take the risk in the first place.”