Extraordinary Bravery At Beeston Marina Recognised With Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has honoured three members of the public for their exceptional courage after they saved the life of an elderly man who fell into the water at Beeston Marina.

At 10:46am on 27 February 2025, NFRS received reports of an 84-year-old man in distress in the River Trent. He had been spotted by three passers-by — Sarah, David and Oscar – who had gained access to a boat from the pontoon at the marina. As the man slipped beneath the surface, David made a split-second decision to dive into the freezing water. Fighting both the strong current and bitter temperatures, he managed to reach the casualty and bring him back to the boat, where Sarah and Oscar worked together to pull both men aboard.

Once on the pontoon, the trio administered lifesaving first aid, managing to revive the casualty and keep him conscious until the arrival of East Midlands Ambulance Service Crews from Carlton, London Road and Highfields Fire Stations were mobilised, but thanks to the swift and selfless actions of the three rescuers, a life was saved before emergency services reached the scene.

Watch Manager Sam Fry, the first firefighter on scene, nominated the group for a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation at this year’s NFRS Awards. He said:

We were relieved to find the casualty had already been rescued by David, Oscar and Sarah. Their quick, selfless and decisive actions ensured a positive outcome from what could otherwise have been a very serious incident.

“Following the incident, I nominated them for risking their own safety to preserve the safety of others. It is important to recognise acts such as this – to reward the special individuals who step up to help those in need, taking valiant and selfless action where others may not.

"NFRS strives to Create Safer Communities, and these three embody the values our organisation is built on. I have no doubt that without their intervention, this incident would have resulted in fatality. Their award is truly deserved.”

Oscar reflected on the events of that morning: “When alerted to a gentleman floating in the River Trent, we worked as a team to retrieve him. Dave swam over to bring him close enough so that me and Sarah could haul him out. We were in the right place at the right time. I’m proud to have helped save him and honoured to receive this award.”

Sarah shared her experience: “I was walking my dog when I saw a man struggling in the river, swept quickly towards Beeston Weir. Alongside David and Oscar, I boarded a boat and saw him disappear beneath the water. We had only seconds to act. David jumped in, and together we pulled him aboard. I placed him in the recovery position and kept him warm until emergency services arrived. I am proud we worked together to save the man’s life – seconds later, it could have been too late.”

Sarah (Left, Oscar (Middle), David (Left)