A swimmer spotted navigating a "dangerous" stretch of the River Avon in Bristol sparked safety concerns this afternoon (Saturday, July 16) and a major response from emergency services. Police, fire and ambulance crews were seen at various points between Southville and Clifton Suspension Bridge as the moved along the river apparently trying to intercept the swimmer.
Two fire engines, an unmarked police car and at least one ambulance were seen along Coronation Road at about midday, with a witness reporting that three firefighters were in the water by Gaol Ferry Bridge as someone appeared to be swimming in the river. They then moved locations, following the person along the river.
A large number of emergency crews were also spotted at Avonmeads and a convoy of emergency vehicles travelling along the Bath Road, understood to be responding to the same call-out. One witness told Bristol Live at 12.20pm: "Big emergency service on the Portway loads of police fire and ambulances."
Read more: Swimming in Bristol Harbour is illegal warns council
A third witness, Daniel, said he saw the fire engines and ambulances stationed at Clifton Suspension Bridge. He said: "Out of nowhere a man was just swimming down the river.
"A fire crew did intercept him in the water - he swam straight passed them and shouted 'I'm not breaking any laws' and he kept going. He looked like he knew what he was doing as he had goggles on."
Vaughan Jenkins, area manager at Avon Fire and Rescue Service, said they were "tracking someone swimming in the river" who "self-rescued" and the situation was passed over to police. He urged people not to swim there, adding: "They were incredibly lucky to come out of such a dangerous stretch unscathed."
Earlier this week the fire service urged swimmers to stay safe if they want to go for a dip in their local lake, pond or river to cool off. So far this year, crews have been called to 94 water rescues in the district, 16 per cent more than during the same period in 2021.
The service said over 62 per cent of accidental drownings took place in lakes, ponds and rivers in 2021, according to data from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). Safety advice includes only swimming at supervised locations such as pools and lidos, and to never swim alone.
Bristol's waterways are expected to be busy this weekend as the Harbour Festival continues, and it might be tempting to take a dip along that particular stretch of the water where the festivities are happening. However, the council has reminded people of the swimming ban in Bristol Harbour and told people not to break the rules.
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