EMERGENCY services raced into action to rescue a woman from the River Colne near Colchester city centre.
The woman was plucked to safety from the river, near Castle Road, Colchester, after emergency services attended the incident shortly before 1pm on Tuesday.
Water rescue-trained firefighters from Essex County Fire and Rescue attended after reports of a woman in the river who couldn’t get out.
The firefighters used a rescue sled to help the woman.
A spokesman for the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: “Water rescue-trained firefighters worked to rescue the woman using a water rescue sled.
“She was left in the care of the ambulance service.”
Castle Ward councillor, Mark Goacher praised the emergency services.
He said: “First of all, I am thinking of the lady concerned and I hope she makes a complete recovery.
"I don’t know the circumstances, but I am thinking of her and I wish her a full recovery.
“I think all praise is due to the firefighters and other emergency services who clearly responded to this incident effectively.
“They did a fantastic job.”
The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has provided some tips on how to stay safe around water on its website.
It says: “If you find yourself unexpectedly in the water, don’t panic. Extend your arms and legs out and float on your back until the effect of cold water shock pass.
“Never enter the water to try and rescue someone, call 999 and ask for the Fire Service if you're inland or the Coastguard if you're at the coast.”
The Colchester Gazette has contacted the East of England Ambulance Service for a comment on the incident.
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