A MAN who leapt into a river which has already claimed the lives of two people this year is being treated in hospital following a dramatic rescue.

Emergency services were alerted by shocked onlookers in York city centre yesterday (Saturday, November 15) at 4.45pm, after spotting the fully-clothed 35-year-old trying to swim in the swollen Ouse.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said as the man, who had been drinking, swam from Museum Street towards Lendal Bridge, a North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service crew launched a boat - but he continued swimming.

The Environment Agency said water levels in the Ouse were peaking following heavy rain at the time.

Minutes later, the man began to suffer from hypothermia and crowds of shoppers looked on as he was pulled from the water by firefighters.

He was given first aid on the riverbank before being taken to York Hospital for treatment.

Firefighters said he was rescued "in the nick of time".

The rescue comes a month after emergency services were called to another incident where a man jumped into the river in the Kings Staith area, which was busy with drinkers, but managed to reach the riverbank safely.

In September, City of York Council, police and Police and Crime Commissioner Julia Mulligan launched a high-profile river safety campaign, following 24 deaths over the past 15 years in York’s rivers.

The campaign was backed by relatives of those who died, including Jackie Roberts, the mother of University of York student Megan Roberts, who drowned after becoming disorientated near Lendal Bridge after drinking with friends in January.

Steve Pearson, the father of 18-year-old soldier Tyler Pearson, who drowned in the River Ouse in April, also supported the campaign.

Police believe Signaller Tyler Pearson, of York-based 2nd Signal Regiment, entered the River Ouse near The Lowther pub and was trying to swim to the far bank at Queen's Staith during a night out with friends.

Ben Clarkson, 22, drowned in the River Foss in the city in March after leaving a nightclub.

A police spokesman said the latest River Ouse incident highlighted the need for people, and especially those who have been drinking, to take care when near the river.

He said: "There have been a number of recent tragedies along this stretch of river and we would advise anyone walking nearby to take steps to avoid it."