Rescuers recognised for saving two men from drowning in Rochdale Canal

Nic Wharmby, PC Neil Parker, Paul Starling and Steve McGuirk

Three rescuers have been officially recognised for saving the lives of two men following an incident in Rochdale.

Paul Starling and Nic Wharmby of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) were awarded Letters of Congratulations during a ceremony at Rochdale Community Fire Station on Wednesday (18 March).

PC Neil Parker received a Certificate of Commendation presented by County Fire Officer Steve McGuirk.

The trio were involved in the rescue of two men from Rochdale canal on the afternoon of 23 July 2014.

PC Parker was travelling along Oldham Road when a police dog unit behind him was flagged down by a member of the public pointing towards the canal opposite Lock 50 Business Centre.

PC Parker, who was in the police vehicle, pulled over to investigate and was shortly followed by Mr Starling.

There was a large crowd of people forming around the canal lock and one man, aged in his 30s, had fallen into the canal and was quickly going under the water – he was struggling to keep afloat in the cold temperatures.

Mr Starling called North West Fire Control (NWFC) to report the incident and request the Water Incident Unit – at the same time PC Parker got an extra-long dog lead from the unit and began attempts to rescue the man.

PC Parker threw the lead to the man and helped him attach the rope to himself to stop him slipping back under the water.

Just as this happened, GMFRS Volunteer Coordinator Nic Wharmby drove past and saw what was going on. He pulled over and assisted PC Parker in holding the man above the water, while Mr Starling attempted to control the scene and ensure that resources were on the way from NWFC.

Moments later there was a dramatic twist when another member of the group jumped into the water to help his friend. Fortunately other police officers had begun to arrive by this time and they controlled the scene while the rescuers got a rope around the second man.

Fire engines soon arrived on the scene and full water rescue procedures were put into place, equipment was set up and the crew managed to get the two men to the other end of the lock where they were able to get out.

County Fire Officer Steve McGuirk said: “I would like to congratulate Neil, Paul and Nic for their quick-thinking and brave actions on the afternoon of 23 July 2014, which undoubtedly saved the lives of two men.

“It was a pleasure to be able to officially recognise the officers with an event at our newest fire station – Rochdale, which officially opened a year ago.

Group Manager Paul Starling said: “It’s a bit of a shock when you come across an incident like this with a big crowd of people who are screaming and distressed, and you don’t have any of the normal resources and equipment with you.

“You are putting yourself at risk and all kinds of scenarios go through your head – so you have you think of your own safety as well as the safety as others. Luckily it was a good outcome.

“It was an honour to be officially recognised in this way, although it was unexpected, and PC Neil Parker thoroughly deserves the recognition.”