POLICE have urged water sports enthusiasts to be responsible on rivers in bad weather after an extensive search was launched for two canoeists thought to be in difficulty on a North Yorkshire river.

Although the pair was found safe and unharmed, police said they ignored advice and continued to paddle on the fast-flowing river.

A member of the public out with her family dialled 999 just before 2pm on Saturday after seeing the pair in the River Swale at Easby, near Richmond.

One of the canoes had capsized, and had a person clinging onto it.

Police, mountain rescue, a helicopter, the fire brigade and ambulance crews were all called to the scene. 

Paul Richardson, deployment manager for North Yorkshire Police, said: “We deployed several resources to the area because of the high and fast nature of the river, and after an extensive search we found both the canoeists at the riverside – absolutely fine, safe and well."

He added: "We did ask them whether they wanted to continue in the river given the weather and the high nature of it. They decided to go on their way in the river."

Mr Richardson said the call out had cost tax payers an "incredible amount of money".

"I would urge people, no matter how experienced, to consider whether it is necessary to go into the waterways when they are at this velocity," he said.

"Certainly, from a police point of view, we wouldn't advise such behaviour."