A drunk reveller was pulled from a river not once but twice after he jumped in.

Rescue teams have described his actions as "sheer stupidity" after they tried to help the man who had shouted "help me, I can't swim" before fleeing from the scene in Maidstone.

Kent Search & Rescue had been out patrolling the River Medway the County Town again yesterday as the pubs opened for the first time since lockdown.

Unfortunately the message to not over-do it was not heeded by everyone.

At just after 9.10pm last night, KSAR was called to an intoxicated male who jumped from a bridge into the River Medway in Maidstone town centre.

The man was unable to rescue himself and was heard shouting “help me, I can’t swim”.

He was pulled from the river in a distressed state but refused treatment from Search & Rescue medics on scene.

A short while later, the man had jumped back into the river.

Two rescue boats were sent to help but he ran off as further Search & Rescue medical teams arrived.

A spokesman for Search & Rescue said; “We can’t believe the sheer stupidity of this individual.

"He not only put his own life at risk but twice caused rescue teams to put their lives at risk in an effort to help him.

"The majority of those out in Kent tonight have had a great time and enjoyed the pubs reopening.”

KSAR patrols were supporting Kent Police ensuring the safety of the communities in and around Maidstone since 3pm yesterday.

The organisation regularly takes to the water, usually around Christmas time, to remind people of the dangers of drowning after a night out but was out again yesterday as pubs reopened after lockdown.

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