A drunk reveller celebrating the pubs reopening after lockdown had to be saved twice by a river rescue team.
Rescue teams described the man’s actions as “sheer stupidity” after they tried to help the man that shouted “help me, I can’t swim” before fleeing the scene.
Kent Search & Rescue were patrolling the River Medway yesterday as pubs opened for the first time since lockdown.
At just after 9.10pm last night, the team of expert volunteers was called to an intoxicated male who jumped from a bridge into the River Medway in Maidstone town centre.
Help me
The man was unable to rescue himself and was heard shouting “help me, I can’t swim”.
He was pulled from the river in a distressed state but refused treatment from Search & Rescue medics on scene.
A short while later, the male again jumped into the river causing two rescue boats to be dispatched to his aid.
He ran off when further Search & Rescue medical teams arrived on the scene.
A Search & Rescue spokesperson said; “We can’t believe the sheer stupidity of this individual.
“He not only put his own life at risk but twice caused rescue teams to put their lives at risk in an effort to help him.
Kent
“The majority of those out in Kent tonight have had a great time and enjoyed the pubs reopening.”
The Kent Search & Rescue patrols were supporting Kent Police since 3pm yesterday.
The organisation, which regularly reminds people of the dangers of drowning after a night out, were again out again yesterday as pubs reopened.
On Twitter, they added: “We can say #safeanddry saved a life yesterday.”
Related – Video – Officers suffer broken bones as police attacked at illegal party
While you’re here
While you are here, we wanted to ask for your help.
Free, independent journalism in Britain is under threat. The government is becoming increasingly authoritarian and our media is run by a handful handful of billionaires, most of whom reside overseas and all of them have strong political allegiances and financial motivations.
Our mission is to hold the powerful to account. It is vital that free, independent media is allowed to exist to expose hypocrisy, corruption, wrongdoing and abuse of power. But we can’t do it without you.
If you can afford to contribute a small donation to the site it will help us to continue our work in the best interests of the public. We only ask you to donate what you can afford, with an option to cancel your subscription at any point.
To donate or subscribe to The London Economic, click here.
The TLE shop is also now open, with all profits going to supporting free, independent journalism.
The shop can be found here.