Open water warning as teen rescued in Staffordshire village
Warnings have been issued after an unconscious teenager was rescued from water and taken to hospital in Staffordshire.
Firefighters were called to Handsacre, near Rugeley, on Saturday at 1.23pm to reports of a male unconscious in the water.
Fire crews entered the brook, near the village hall, to retrieve the person who turned out to be a teenager.
He was rescued and treated by the ambulance service before being taken to hospital.
Director of Prevent and Protect Glynn Luznyj said the incident could have had “extremely tragic results”.
He said: “We believe in this case that alcohol was involved which is often the case for water rescue incidents.
“It is incredibly dangerous to go near any open water when you are intoxicated which is why we advise people to avoid walking home near water and always grab a taxi if possible.
“Alcohol affects yours balance and awareness making it incredibly easy for people to fall into the water and incredibly difficult to get out again.
“Fortunately this teenager is believed to be doing well but this incident could have had extremely tragic results. The Prevent team are continuing to work and support him for the foreseeable future.
“We know the weather is expected to get warmer in the coming weeks and the temptation to swim in open water may be high but please avoid this. We advise you only swim at properly supervised pools.
“Please follow our tips to stay safe and avoid disasters in the water. Last year’s tragedy which saw Ryan Evans lose his life shook the community and we want to avoid this every happening again.”
