Hero dog walker raises alarm after hearing cries of 'help' from Tavistock riverbank

A man was taken to hospital after getting into difficulty in deep water in Tavistock. He was found by a dog-walker in the early hours of Monday morning (June 10), in the first of two water-rescue incidents in the region during a single day which has sparked a summer safety warning from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

A dog walker, who was making their way along the riverbank in Tavistock Meadows heard a cry for help from the river and raised the alarm, Tavistock Fire Station said. A man was unable to escape from the river, where he was caught in deep water.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service crews went into the river to rescue the man, using lines and safety equipment to bring him up on a ladder. He was then treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital.

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Later the same day, Tavistock Fire Station said it was again called out to a water rescue in Bere Alston, after a man was reported to have fallen into a pond while working on a dumper truck. The crew rushed out, alongside Bere Alston and Yelverton crews, but were stood down before arriving by the paramedics as the person was out of the water.

The station has urged people to take care if getting into water on hot days. "With hopefully summer coming please be mindful of getting into water during hot spells," it said in a post on Facebook.

"Although it may be hot outside, water temperatures can often be very cold, getting into cold water can cause cold shock and have tragic consequences. Last year 236 people died through accidents involving water."

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said it has attended, on average, nearly one water rescue per week in the last year. "It might not sound like a lot, but these kinds of incidents have a much higher fatality rate than many other kinds of incidents we attend," the service added.

Steve Fisher from the fire service's Prevention Team advised: "If you are running, walking, or cycling in and around our inland water ways please think water safety. Around 40% of people who accidentally drown had no intention of entering the water and fell in while participating in activities alongside rivers, lakes, and canals.

“Please try to remain at least three metres from the water’s edge and should you find yourself in the water follow the RNLI’s Float To Live advice.”

What to do if someone falls into the water

• Never go into the water to try to save someone. You could experience cold water shock which will leave you unable to help, even if you’re a strong swimmer.

• Call 999 immediately. If you’re near the coast, ask for a coastguard. If you are inland, ask for the fire, and ambulance services.

• Tell the emergency services where you are. You can use your phone, but if you don’t have one or you can’t access location tools then try looking for landmarks or signs that could help the services find you. We recommend downloading the What3Words app to help with pinpointing your location.

• If the person can swim, shout “swim to me!” The water can be disorientating, but this could help give them a focus. Keep instructions loud, clear, and consistent.

• Look for lifebelts or throw bags you can use. Read about how to use a throwline.

• If there isn’t any lifesaving equipment, look for other things that could help them stay afloat, such as a ball. You can even use a scarf or long stick to help pull someone out of the water.

• If you do this this, lie on the ground so your entire body is safely on the edge and reach out with your arm. Don’t stand up or lean over the water, as you might get pulled in.