Fire crews rescued a struggling swimmer from the Thames near Nags Head Island in Abingdon over the weekend.

Crews from Abingdon, Rewley Road and Kidlington Fire Stations were called on Sunday evening at 8pm to the island where someone had got into difficulty in the River Thames.

After locating the casualty, crews were able to enter the water and bring them to safety on the riverbank.

Read also: How to stay safe when swimming outdoors in Oxfordshire

Teams from South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and Thames Valley Police also attended and helped ensure the incident was brought to a successful conclusion.

Following the incident Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service released a safety warning for swimming in open water.

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Fire crews have warned that reservoirs, rivers, lakes and canals may look safe and inviting, particularly on a warm day, but there are hidden dangers below the surface.

Read also: Teenage girl dies after being rescued from Ducklington Lake

People are advised to respect the water, even if you are a good swimmer and familiar with the area and to be water aware.

Fire crews ask if anyone witnesses someone in trouble in the water to call 999 or 112 and shout for help. They should not enter the water themselves; instead throw something in that floats. The advice for a person in trouble in the water is to float on their back and not try to swim.

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