Rescue on the scene on the River Medway in Maidstone. Credit;SWNS
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.
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.
“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.”
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