Firefighters rescue puppy

Colchester firefighters rescued Wish, a four-month old Border Collie puppy today after she became trapped under a bridge near a pond.

Crews were called to a country park in Turner Road, Colchester where Wish had been playing with her owners before taking a dip in the pond and getting trapped under a bridge on the other side.

Firefighter used a reach pole to rescue Wish by 12:03pm and she was left in the care of her owners.

Crew Manager Jon Foot from Colchester Fire Station said: “We’d like to praise Wish’s owners for dialling 999 instead of attempting to rescue Wish themselves.

“We’re often called to rescue people who have ventured into water to rescue their pets and then become trapped themselves.

“We highly recommend you do not attempt to rescue a pet from water as you risk putting yourself, and anyone who passes by who might try to rescue you, in danger. Most of the time, pets find their way back to shore and if they are struggling to get back, it’s best to call 999 where we can help to rescue them.”

This week, we’re supporting the National Fire Chiefs Council’s #BeWaterAware campaign to highlight the risks of accidental drowning.

Our top tips for staying safe in and around water are:

• Never swim alone in case you need help
• Don’t drink alcohol when undertaking water related activities, it impairs judgement and your ability to swim
• Avoid walking routes near water if you have been drinking alcohol
• Don’t dive or jump straight into water, there may be hidden debris and can lead to potentially fatal cold water shock even on the warmest day
• Actively supervise children in and around water at all times - drowning can happen fast and silently
• Do not attempt to rescue pets from water, instead dial 999

For more water safety advice, visit: essex-fire.gov.uk/water