Award for for policeman who rescued boy, 10, clinging to rock in Mid Wales river
A police officers has been honoured with a national bravery award for saving a stranded boy from the middle of a river.
Pc Mark Woods rescued a 10 year old boy from a strong current in the River Wye at Sweet Lamb, near Llanidloes, and will be recognised at the 22nd Police Bravery Awards next month, at a fitting ceremony in London.
On July 27, a father and son had been crossing the river with rucksacks on the way to go camping, when the child fell into the fast flowing water.
His father entered the water but was also taken by the current.
Soon after a member of the public reported screams of help from the river, which runs parallel to the A44.
Pc Woods took the call and made his way to the riverside, and found it was swollen with a strong current.
He found a 10 year old boy clinging to a rock in the middle of the river, unable to move and in imminent danger, with his father further down the river also clinging to a rock.
Pc Woods prioritised the child, throwing him a rescue line before swimming out to him and securing the line before swimming him to the far bank.
Additional police and the fire and rescue service were on hand to rescue the boy's father.
Chair of the Dyfed Powys Police federation Mark Bleasdale heaped praise on to Pc Woods for his bravery.
He said: "Without doubt, the swift actions of PC Woods saved the life of the child and this has been recognised by those involved and those present. He took a great risk in swimming across the river and showed tremendous courage in his actions, without fear for his own safety.”
Superintendent Huw Meredith, Head of Operations Dyfed–Powys Police added: "Pc Woods can justifiably feel very proud of his actions in entering a fast flowing river in treacherous conditions and taking the young boy to safety. His selfless actions prevented a tragedy occurring. Everyone in Dyfed-Powys Police is very proud of his actions and he is a worthy nomination for a Bravery Award."
Pc Wood has already received the Chief Constables commendation, and will be receiving the Royal Humane Society Award at the awards ceremony.
The CEO of Police Mutual, Stephen Mann, who support the awards also added: "I am always astounded by police officers’ acts of bravery and my colleagues and I continue to be inspired by their dedication. They are a true inspiration and I feel privileged and humbled to be part of the Awards again.”
