Pc jumps into Yorkshire river to save drowning man

At around 6pm on Friday 12 August, police were called to the River Calder after reports that someone had fallen into the river and was desperately clinging onto a bridge support.

When officers arrived they found the 38-year old clinging onto the supports of the bridge at Ravenswharf Road. The Fire and Ambulance service were called but as the man was 30 metres from the bank of the river, in the deepest part of the water and starting to weaken, PC Robert Green, a response officer for Kirklees police, took the decision to enter the water and save the man himself.

Pc Green said: “On arrival I could see the man in the water desperately clinging on to a bridge support some 30 metres from the river bank and in obvious distress. It seemed he was unable to swim. I tried to communicate with him, but could not make myself understood.

“I immediately requested fire, ambulance and the Force helicopter, but felt that any delay would potentially lead to the man being swept away downstream. I felt I had to act straight away, so I removed my protective equipment, entered the water and swam across to him.

“My initial intention had been to swim back with him to the bank but because of the strong undercurrent of the river and the cold temperature I quickly became fatigued, making this impossible. When I got to him he was submerged and, with difficulty, I pulled him to the surface and held him above the water level as he struggled with me.

“A short time later, fire officers arrived and lowered a rope from the bridge which I tied around him. I laid back in the water allowing him to lay on top of me and we were dragged to the river bank from where the man was taken to hospital.”

After the man was rescued, he taken to hospital where it was found that he had suffered no serious injuries.

PC Green added: ”I trained as a youngster at City of Leeds Swimming Club many years ago so I was confident about entering the water. Of course I am absolutely delighted that I was able to ensure the safety of this man and pleased to hear that he did not suffer any lasting effects.”

Inspector Phil Ounsley of Kirklees police said: “It was fortunate that Robert is a very competent swimmer and could handle the water conditions that he was faced with here. But this was still an extremely brave act that almost certainly saved the life of the man in the water.

“The water was very cold and the 38-year old clearly could not swim so the risk factor was very high. However, because of the heroic actions of PC Green, we are able to look on this as a good result.

“I am extremely proud to have officers like Robert working in Kirklees.

His efforts demonstrate the commitment of the police to ensuring the public’s safety and their willingness to put their bodies on the line.”