Child rescued from Devon river

12-year-old safe after Braunton incident

A child has been pulled out of a river near a North Devon playground.

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue sent a fire appliance from Braunton, another from Barnstaple and the special rescue team also from Barnstaple following a report of an incident at around 2 p.m. on Wednesday [4 January] near the playground on Chaloners Road, Braunton.

The 12-year-old was rescued by fire officers using two wading suits and a triple extension ladder.  

The service offers the following advice for keeping safe near water:

• Never leave children unattended near water.
• Know your location, so if you need to dial 999 you know exactly where you are if you or someone else gets into trouble. We recommend you use the What3Words app to help locate yourself and others.
• Be aware of hidden dangers. Water might look calm on the surface but strong undercurrents can pull even the strongest of swimmers under. Underwater plants can also be a drowning hazard if you get stuck.
• Never walk or play on frozen water.
• Be careful of swimming in cold water, as it could affect your ability to swim.
• Try to only swim where there are lifeguards present. Swimming in quarries, lakes, reservoirs, and canals is really dangerous.
• Pay attention to warning signs and learn what the different coloured flags at the beach mean.
• Beware of rip currents. If you’re ever caught in one, swim parallel to the shore.
• If you find yourself in trouble, try to move to a floating position. Lie on your back and spread out your arms and legs, tilt your head up and out of the water and shout for help. If you can, try and raise your arm to make people aware.
• Stay out of the water if you have been drinking alcohol.