On Thursday (12th December), a security guard was being awarded a special commendation from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for ‘Meritorious Conduct’ after his quick-thinking on the Newcastle Quayside earlier in the year helped to save someone from drowning in the River Tyne.

Okeoghene Eyenre, 38, father-of-two from Gateshead, was on duty at the time of the incident back in July when he administered one of the emergency throw bags provided, which kept the reveller afloat until the Fire Service arrived to rescue the individual.

Mr. Eyenre’s award holds special significance as it coincides with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service supporting the launch of the Royal Life Saving Society UK’s annual “Don’t Drink and Drown” campaign.

Don’t Drink and Drown (12-20 December) is a national annual campaign run by Royal Life Saving Society UK focused on reducing the number of substance-related drownings across the UK and Ireland, especially in the run-up to the festive season.

“I saw a crowd near the railings recording on their mobile phones, so I went over to investigate and see what was happening. I was shocked to see someone in the water, but my instinct was to get help,” said Mr. Eyenre.

The lifesaving incident took place on the evening of July 27th when a female reveller became distressed after jumping into the River Tyne during a night out in the city.

Mr. Eyenre has been employed by T3 Security for over a year, and at the time of the incident, they were working with Newcastle NE1. Before Okeoghene started his shift, he familiarised himself with his surroundings, including reading the water safety and operational details of the lifesaving throw bag equipment, in case it was required in an emergency.

Okeoghene is married to wife Chidimma, and they have two young children, Ariella (aged 4) and Adriel (aged 1). He is also a student at Teesside University studying International Marketing Management.

“When I saw the person in distress, I immediately called 999 and requested the code to access the throw-line. Everything happened so quickly, within five minutes, fire trucks and a rescue boat were responding to my emergency call,” Okeoghene continued.

“I was so relieved to see the fire crews as it meant that the lady’s life could be saved. I was so pleased to be helping alongside the rescue team.

Okeoghene gave some advice to people celebrating this Christmas time: “We are lucky to have so many beautiful locations in Tyne and Wear. and if you are having a drink near a waterside, don’t go too close as things can happen in a flash. Have fun, but be careful at the same time.”

The throw-bag used in July was one of 14 life-saving throw-bag units installed by Newcastle City Council along the busy Quayside.

Group Manager Steve Thomas, Head of TWFRS’s Prevention and Education team, said:  “It is an honour to present Mr. Eyenre with the special commendation on behalf of the Fire Service. His quick thinking and use of the throw bag have gone a long way to ensure that a young woman can now celebrate Christmas for many years to come.

“Everyone likes to enjoy themselves at Christmas as the festive party season takes over most bars and restaurants across Tyne and Wear.

“Please be water aware and appreciate the dangers posed at waterside locations when partying and travelling home at the end of the evening.

“Always look out for your friends and family as everyone wants to stay safe this Christmas.”

Simon Almond – Project Lead for Education, Royal Lifesaving Society Northumberland and Durham Branch, said: “This week we are delivering our national Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, which is especially significant during the festive season as 46% of accidental drownings involve people aged between 18-25 who’ve consumed alcohol and/or drugs.

“The Society urges individuals to look out for their friends when under the influence and #BeAMate by helping them to avoid dangerous routes by water and return home safely. It is important to be aware of water safety when enjoying yourself near a waterside location.

“RLSS UK commends Okeoghene for his quick-thinking actions and congratulates him on his award from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.”

Cllr Irim Ali, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet member for communities, said:  “The safety of everyone in our city is our absolute priority and – though we obviously hoped it would never be needed – we ensured that lifesaving equipment was in place on the Quayside.

“It is great to hear that in an emergency someone has been saved because of having those throw bags available. I hope that knowing such an essential kit is in place offers reassurance to all who enjoy our spectacular riverside.

“However, that does not mean there is no significant risk, and we strongly advise people to remember that the River Tyne is a big river, with strong currents that can overwhelm even the strongest swimmers.

“Look after yourself and others, and make sure nobody ends up in the water in the first place.”

For further information about RLSS UK’s Don’t Drink and Drown campaign, please visit www.rlss.org.uk/dont-drink-and-drown