A girl was saved after becoming submerged in the River Trent. The 12-year-old had been spotted close to the County Hall, near to the Victoria Embankment, before going into the river on the night of June 6, 2021.
She was struggling to keep her head above the water due to the thick and woollen clothing that she was wearing. And she repeatedly dipped under the surface of the water becoming submerged, according to Nottinghamshire Police.
After seeing the girl in the water, nearby Police Constable Nick Lewis took off his stab vest and equipment belt and jumped in as she fought to stay afloat. After being directed by another police officer, he managed to grab hold of her and got her back to the bank to safety.
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The girl was not injured following the incident and was reunited with her mother at hospital that evening. A woman had been saved by the same police officer after she entered the River Trent on the afternoon of August 26, 2021.
PC Lewis’, who has swam competitively in open water races, has subsequently nominated in the 2022 Police Federation of England and Wales Annual Police Bravery Awards. The West Bridgford officer, who has swam competitively in open water races, said: “I spotted her going down the steps at the Embankment and I was really shocked to see her leap into the water. I wasn’t quite expecting that, but I only had seconds to think and go in after her.
“The current had already taken her about 20 metres away from the sides and she was quickly heading downstream towards Trent Bridge.
“She was wearing really heavy clothing, like a woollen poncho, so she was incredibly heavy and it took a lot more effort than I anticipated to keep her head above water.
“As I was swimming out to her I could see her head repeatedly go under the water, but thankfully I was able to get to her in the nick of time.
“I’ve swam most of my life and I was actually part of the county’s swimming squad when I was younger. I think that massively helped as I’m quite a strong swimmer and had a lot of time in the water over the years.
“I’m very humbled to be nominated for a national award and feel proud to be recognised for what I did, but it’s all part of the job. I know all my colleagues would have done the same. I’m just grateful we were able to save her.”
