Crowds in Yorkshire reportedly watched on as they witnessed a man drowning in the River Ouse without any attempt to throw the man a life ring or help save him.
The River Ouse is a river in North Yorkshire, and is the sixth-longest river in the United Kingdom and the longest to flow entirely in one county.
The fallen man was reportedly struggling to keep his head above water and tried to keep afloat. He had fallen in the river around 3pm, on November 2.
Passers-by watched on, this was despite at least two safety floatation devices being accessible within just a few metres of the incident, behind the Radisson hotel, near to where the incident had occurred, Yorkshire Live reported.
When police arrived at the scene they used the two flotation devices around 50m from the scene at North Street Gardens, and saved the man by throwing the rubber rings towards him. He was then rushed to hospital after the fire service arrived.
The attending Police Sergeant Toby Gorwood told the publication: “Life rings and other floatation devices are located at regular intervals along the River Ouse and other major waterways.
“It’s always worth making a mental note of life ring locations along your local river in case you ever need to help someone in trouble. Floatation aids allow you to do this while minimising the danger to yourself, which is also important. Those vital seconds can make all the difference.”
A fire spokesperson stressed one must act when witnessing an incident because it can save lives.
They added: “Shout for help and dial 999 and ask for the fire service at inland water sites or the Coast Guard if you’re at the beach.
“Reach with a long stick, a scarf, clothes or anything else. Crouch or lie down to avoid being pulled in. If possible, throw a rope – you can then pull in the person. Otherwise throw something that will float – a ball, a plastic bottle or a lifebuoy. Do not jump in to try to save them.”
Firefighters have urged people to watch this educational safety video informing someone how to act in a similar situation to help save lives.
Produced by North Yorkshire Fire Service, it demonstrates how to attempt to rescue someone in distress in the local river, but similar techniques can be adapted elsewhere.
