ASDA Worker Saves Man from Drowning in River Medway
A quick-thinking ASDA employee has been hailed a local hero after rescuing a man from the fast-flowing River Medway in Maidstone.
Heroic Rescue During Break
Dan Fiveash, 31, was on his break at the ASDA Living store on St Peters Street when he heard desperate shouting from the river.
Without hesitation, Dan rushed over and spotted a man clutching reeds in the swollen river. He grabbed a life ring and threw it to the man battling the currents.
“I saw someone in the river holding onto the reeds. We’d had a lot of rainfall recently, so the banks had burst, and the water was much higher than usual. Without thinking, I just grabbed the life ring and threw it to him,” Dan said.
Calm Under Pressure
While holding the life ring, Dan called 999 and requested fire, ambulance, and police emergency services.
“The man was surprisingly calm. I kept reassuring him until help arrived. It was cold and dark, and I didn’t know how much longer he could hang on. My focus was just holding on and talking to him,” he recalled.
Within minutes, two fire engines, the water safety unit, Kent Police, and South East Coast Ambulance Service reached the scene and pulled the 63-year-old man to safety.
Back to Work, Hero Praised
After the rescue, Dan quietly returned to his shift. His colleagues soon learned what happened and praised his brave actions.
“People say I should feel proud, but it was just natural to help. It didn’t cross my mind not to,” Dan said modestly.
ASDA Store Manager Paul Wiedeholz said:
“We think it’s terrific that Dan acted so quickly on his break. ASDA is part of the community, and this shows how much we care about our customers and neighbours. We think Dan is a hero.”
Fire Service Commends Quick Thinking
Crew Manager David from Maidstone Fire Station added:
“Dan made the right call that day. His quick thinking helped Kent Fire and Rescue safely bring the man out of the water.”
New Safety Campaign Launched
The dramatic rescue sparked Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s new Make the Right Call campaign, educating the public on water rescue procedures.
“For inland water rescues in Kent or Medway, always call 999 and ask for the fire service. For sea rescues, contact the Coastguard,” the service advised.
Local Hero Goes Viral
Dan’s brave actions have gone viral on social media. One local commenter summed it up:
“Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes they wear ASDA uniforms.”
Despite the praise, Dan remains humble, insisting he just did what anyone would in that moment — but his quick action quite literally saved a life.
