Saving lives

Those who do not respect the strength of the current or the debilitating effect the cold water can have put their own lives in danger — and those of people prepared to help them.

In the latest incident at the weekend two police officers risked their lives to save two men in difficulty in the river.

Acting Sergeant Simon Brooks, 32, and Pc John Chappell, 28, were first on the scene.

They assessed the situation and realised if they did not enter the water themselves the men could die.

Showing great bravery they plunged into the river, swimming against the current to reach one man and help him to safety.

They re-entered the water to help the other man.

Those they rescued were wrapped in blankets and checked by medics.

But for the modest officers it was a different story.

Drenched to the skin, they drove back to the police station, showered and resumed their shift.

Chief Superintendent Dave Wakelin, divisonal commander for Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood, said the actions of the officers saved the lives of the two men.

He said: “They jumped into the river without any thought for their own safety and conducted an extremely brave rescue.”

Life-saving? It’s all in a day’s work for some.