Hero Rescue on Newcastle Quayside: Woman Saved from River Tyne
Emergency teams sprung into action in the early hours of Saturday, April 22, after a woman fell into the River Tyne at Newcastle’s Quayside.
Quick-Thinking Police and Firefighters Save Woman
Northumbria Police arrived around 1:15 a.m. They used newly-installed throw-bag boards along the Quayside to restrain the woman in the water.
Firefighters from Byker Community Fire Station, operating the fire boat, soon joined in and pulled her to safety. Paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) treated her for non-life threatening injuries and whisked her to hospital.
“Thanks to the quick actions of police, paramedics, and firefighters, a woman was brought to safety and did not suffer any life-threatening injuries,” said Steve Thomas, group manager for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS). “I’d like to congratulate everyone who was involved.”
New Throw-Bag Boards Prove Lifesavers
TWFRS and Newcastle City Council recently invested £10,000 to install 14 throw-bag boards along the Quayside, replacing outdated life rings that were often stolen or damaged.
“It’s fantastic to see that this equipment is already saving lives. We keep throw-bags on every fire engine and know how effective they can be,” added Thomas.
If someone falls into the water, witnesses can dial 999, request the fire service, and use a code to access the throw-bag equipment quickly.
Police Praise Teamwork and Launch Safety Campaign
“This was a fast-paced incident that showed how blue-light partners can work together to help people in trouble on the water,” said Constable Peter Wilson from Northumbria Police’s Maritime Policing Unit.
“We welcome these new throw-bag boards on the River Tyne banks. They will help keep communities safe and save lives.”
From April 24 to 30, the National Fire Chiefs Council is running ‘Be Water Aware’, a water safety campaign.
Don’t miss the free water safety event on Sunday, April 30th, 11am-3pm at Newcastle Quayside Market.
