Emergency crews rushed to the scene following reports that a canoe capsized at a popular spot for boaters - leaving two young children and two adults in the water. Emergency services were called shortly before 6.50pm on Monday, May 29 at Sawley Flood Lock, in Long Eaton.
Derbyshire crews from Long Eaton, Nottingham Road, Buxton and Kingsway attended the incident alongside Nottinghamshire's Highfields and a crew from Leicestershire's Castle Donington station. The fire service confirmed it was called to reports a canoe had capsized leaving two young children and two adults in the water.
The two adults were rescued from the water upon arrival of crews. The crews had established the two children were already out of the water after being assisted off the embankment by members of the public prior to their arrival. All four were handed into the care of paramedics from East Midlands Ambulance Service.
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A spokesperson for the East Midlands Ambulance Service added: “We received a call at 6.53pm on 29 May to Tamworth Road in Long Eaton. The caller reported a medical emergency.
"We sent two paramedics in fast response cars and two crewed ambulances. Police and fire colleagues were also in attendance. Four patients were taken to Royal Derby Hospital via crewed ambulances.”
Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service also issued some advice in a statement following the incident, adding: "Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service would like to remind people that even on a warm day, the temperature in open water can remain very cold, causing a physical reaction which can make it difficult to control breathing, cause panic and make it difficult to swim.
"If you do find yourself in difficulty in the water, don’t panic, fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back in the water and ‘Float to Live’ on your back until the effects of cold-water shock pass. Then you can call for help or swim to safety.
"If someone is in trouble in water, call 999 and ask for the fire service. You should never enter the water to attempt a rescue."
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