Two officers who swam out into a lake to rescue an unresponsive woman who was in severe danger of drowning have received commendations from the Chief Constable.
Police Constable Glenn Myerscough and Police Constable 1998 Bolton had been drafted in as part of a multi-agency effort to help find a high-risk missing person in March of this year, in the Askam-in-Furness area.
A number of lakes and ponds had been searched without success over a period of three hours when the officers moved on to the Blacks Pond area. There they spotted an object some 20-feet from the shore. On closer inspection it appeared it could be a person draped over a branch in the water.
Both officers swiftly made the decision to enter the water in an attempt to rescue the person. They took off all but their non-essential equipment and set off wading into the water.
The officers found the depth of the water increased dramatically as they waded in and soon found themselves unable to stand up.
Upon reaching the woman they found her completely unresponsive and unable to support her own weight. However, between them, the officers were slowly and carefully able to manoeuvre the woman back to the shore.
Once there, they were able to update colleagues that they had found the missing person and that she was breathing. They carried out first aid until ambulance colleagues attended and the woman was taken to hospital having suffered suspected hypothermia.
The officers were put forward for the commendation by Inspector Gareth Jesson. He said: "The actions of the officers saved the life of the unresponsive woman, beyond doubt, and for that they, and the public they serve, should be proud
"Regardless of the obvious risks to themselves, neither officer hesitated in making the decision to enter the water to carry out the rescue. Despite the difficult circumstances, they were able to work effectively and efficiently as a team to keep each other safe whilst working their way towards the casualty.
"Both officers displayed incredible bravery and selflessness. Their actions were in the absolute best traditions of the police service."