The other night I witnessed just how much might our rescue services can muster.
At approx 11pm a bloke jumped into the River Tawe in Swansea from a high bridge just before the marina. For those who don't know the River is dammed by a barrage and also has it's own pontoons.
At this time of year the temp is about 8C and there are some nasty currents. A VERY brave bloke jumped in after him and was very lucky not to drown himself - cold water shock got him straight away.
I was passing at about 11.30pm and by them there was a huge operation underway. The Seaking from Chivenor was there along with the inshore lifeboat and the firebrigade rescue boat which is moored about 100yds away. There were Police everywhere - about 4 ambulances and 10 fire engines along with the coastguard. An amazing turnout.
Sadly it was all in vain and the blokes body was recovered the following morning.
Swansea Marina and the river are getting quite a reputation for drownings now - 5 in the last 15 months. There has been a massive campaign by the parents of some of the dead to put railings everywhere - this has been done at great cost but the deaths go on - they just can't accept that the real cause is that people who get very drunk can do silly things!!!
http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/di...entPK=19698467
