Firefighters rescue swan stuck on Wakefield lake dam

AN RSPCA inspector asked West Yorkshire Fire Service to help free the swan at around 10am this morning. (Frid Aug 11)

A crew from Ossett Fire Station attended the incident as a crowd of around 20 people watched the rescue.

The swan was stuck on a flat ledge two foot down from the from the dam and was very tired.

A West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "If the swan had moved downwards it would have ended up in a river underneath the road – a culvert from where it would have had to be rescued. The swan did not have the room to take flight from the ledge as it would need a run up.

"The RSPCA inspector briefed the firefighters on how to handle a swan. A firefighter in water rescue gear and attached to a line went out and lifted to the swan to freedom .

"The swan swam away happily and the crowd cheered."

Firefighter Tony Campbell (pictured) , from Ossett Fire Station, who carried out the rescue, said: “ The swan was running away from me but eventually I managed get a grip of it and return it to the dam. Around 20 people watching gave a round of applause so I responded with a celebratory cheer.

“It was an unusual rescue, I have never rescued a swan before but I’m happy it ended well and the swan was uninjured.”

He joked: “I’m awaiting a telegram from the Queen now as all swans belong to her.”

Crew Commander Gary Hale assisted in the rescue by managing the line.