Man rescued from River Foss in York is released from hospital (From York Press)

Man rescued from River Foss in York is released from hospital

8:40am Saturday 28th January 2012 in News By Press reporter

Updated: A MAN rescued after falling into the River Foss in York has been released from hospital.

The 51-year-old man fell into the water near the Castle car park on Thursday night, and was pulled out by firefighters after a member of the public heard his screams for help.

The man had struggled for ten minutes before being pulled to safety. He was treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to York Hospital for treatment, but was released later in the evening.

The alarm was raised about 8.15pm on Thursday by a woman who heard the man. Officers from North Yorkshire Police were called to the scene, as well as paramedics and firefighters.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service said they had used a triple extension ladder and lifebelts to rescue the man.

City of York Council leader James Alexander was among those who saw the drama unfold as he returned to his car after attending the Holocaust Memorial Day event in York that evening.

He said: “The evening was bitterly cold and no doubt the temperature of the water would be even colder. I hope the person in question makes a full recovery from the incident.

“It is unclear as to the circumstances of the situation, but I hope this serves as a lesson to others not to enter York’s rivers.”

Last year, The Press launched our Think, Don’t Swim campaign, which is aimed at raising awareness of the dangers posed by jumping into the River Ouse and Foss in York and to encourage people to stay safe while walking near the city’s waterways.