York firefighters have rescued a man from the River Ouse this morning.
The man was spotted in the water near Clifton Bridge at about 10.30am today (Thursday) when the alarm was raised.
An off-duty police officer entered the water but was unable to rescue the man.
A number of fire crews were nearby as they were due to take part in events to mark Drowning Prevention Week.
Firefighters from York launched the station’s rescue boat, and were supported by crews from Acomb and Tadcaster, as well as by police officers and a Yorkshire Ambulance team.
The man was clinging to one of the concrete pillars of the bridge, partially submerged and very cold, when the boat reached him.
The firefighters rescued the man from the water and brought him to the bank, where he was handed over to the care of paramedics.
A Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust spokeswoman said: “We received a 999 call at 10.40am this morning to reports of a male in the river close to Clifton Bridge.
“We dispatched a clinical supervisor and two ambulances to the scene and one patient was conveyed to York Hospital.”
York station manager Bob Hoskins said: “It just shows how important the message of Drowning Prevention Week is, and how people need to be aware of the dangers of water.”
He also stressed the need for suicide awareness. “There’s support out there from the Samaritans and other groups,” he said.
“This has been a stressful time for a lot of people.”
You can call the Samaritans for free any time, day or night on 116 123.