30+ Incident Wednesday 13 February 2019 17:05
Tonbridge and Malling
Kent Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to be extra cautious around rivers and other waterways, especially at this time of year when they're swollen and flowing faster than normal. The warning comes after firefighters were called to Ensfield Road in Leigh near Tonbridge to rescue a man, in his 50s, from the River Medway. Wearing dry suits and using reach poles, crews were able to pull the man to safety. He was cold and suffering from shock, he was placed into the care of SEACAmb paramedics and taken to hospital as a precaution. It's believed the man had been in the water for around 20 minutes and had been attempting to rescue a sheep. KFRS has issued some safety advice: - If you see someone or an animal in trouble in the water, the advice is to always call 999 and ask for fire. - Never place yourself or others in danger. - If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, try to relax and float on your back to catch your breath. This will help you calm down and preserve energy before calling out for help or swimming to safety if possible.