Newton Abbot Fire Station issues warning after rescuing person trapped in flood water
Crews were called to reports of a person who ended up pinned up against trees in a fast flowing swollen river
Newton Abbot Fire Station are urging people not to enter flood water and rivers, following an incident on the weekend.
Crews were called to reports of a trapped person, who ended up in a fast flowing swollen river pinned up against trees.
They had jumped in to rescue their dog and came out with no injuries.
The fire service understand why people do this, but say it could have 'easily ended with a fatality'.
A spokesperson from Newton Abbot Fire Station said:
"Last night two crews from Newton Abbot fire station and the SRT ( Specialist Rescue Team ) from Camels Head Plymouth were mobilised to reports of a person trapped in flood water.
"Upon arrival the crew was met with one person who had entered flood water and ended up in a fast flowing swollen river pinned up against trees.
"The IC ( Incident Commander ) decided to set up downstream containment using a length of our hose inflated with air to act as a barrier should the victim get swept downstream.
"Crews also tied a life jacket onto a line and threw it to the casualty to provide them with some protection. Due to the risk of the fast flowing water Newton crews decided to await the arrival of the SRT boat.
"The SRT team quickly got to work and liaised with the IC to develop a plan.
"Newton crews assisted Camels Head launching a rescue raft into the water in order to rescue the individual. The raft was attached to a line so crews were able to quickly pull the crew and victim back to safety after carrying out the rescue.
"This incident once again came as a result of a person entering a water course to rescue their dog.
"Fire crews from across the service can relate and understand why people do this, but we would once again like to remind people flood water and rivers are dangerous and shouldn't be entered."
"Thankfully we had a good outcome with no injuries, but this could have easily ended with a fatality."
A spokesperson from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue said:
"Two crews from Newton Abbot and the special rescue team from Camels Head attended an incident where a man was stranded after attempting to rescue his dog from fast flowing flood water. Crews managed to get the man a floatation device whilst awaiting the arrival of the boat from Plymouth.
"On arrival of the special rescue team, the boat was launched and the man and his dog were rescued and conveyed to dry land where they were checked over by paramedics."