PCs in dangerous water rescue nominated for Bravery Awards

28 June 2017

Two Surrey Police officers who jumped into dangerous waters in the middle of the night to rescue a woman who wanted to kill herself have been nominated for this year’s National Police Bravery Awards.

PC Erin Bowditch and PC Rachel Upton were on duty in Guildford in the early hours on 4 April 2016 when they were contacted by the Royal Surrey County Hospital with concerns about the safety of a suicidal patient.

The pair were searching the banks of the River Wey when the control room told them she was nearby. They carefully approached her but in her frantic state she jumped into the river.

Despite there being no buoyancy aides nearby, the pair removed their body armour and kit belts and bravely jumped into the river. The pair managed to pull the vulnerable woman from the water, take her to safety and ensure she received the medical attention she needed.

A spokesman for the force said: “The police officers acted with considerable bravely. Especially when you consider that the previous week a man had drowned a quarter of a mile upstream when kayaking with his son. This will have been on the minds of these officers, and heightened their awareness of the dangers they faced.”

PC Bowditch and PC Upton will attend a reception and an evening awards ceremony in London in July. The National Police Bravery Awards honour officers who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty. The awards are sponsored by Police Mutual.

Mel Warnes, Chair of Surrey Police Federation, said: “It takes a brave individual to leap into a fast flowing river at night.

“As a police officer, nothing can really prepare you for the realities of trying to save the life of a desperate, suicidal person. It is truly terrifying stuff. But these police officers put aside their own safety and risked their lives to bring that woman back from the water that night.

“We are immensely proud of their professionalism, their determination and their courage. They truly exemplify the very best of British policing.”