POLICE have issued a warning after rescuing a man from the river near the site of the Royal Welsh Show. Dyfed-Powys Police are urging visitors to exercise caution while attending the show and exploring the town of Builth Wells following an incident that occurred the evening before the show opened on Monday (July 22).
A street pastor notified police officers after witnessing a man fall into the river on Sunday evening. A police spokesperson said that teams were immediately dispatched to rescue him and others who had attempted to assist. The man was found in a deep, fast-flowing stretchof the river and was at risk of being swept away. Six officers used a rope from a nearby safety device to pull him from the water, providing help and reassurance to others involved.
Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Inspector Gareth Grant said: “It was undoubtedly thanks to the street pastors who alerted us to the incident, and the swift response of our officers that prevented this man from coming to harm.
“Following this incident, we are taking this opportunity to remind people in the area for the Royal Welsh Show to please take care when walking to and from the showground.
“Visitors to the area might not be aware of the dangers of this stretch of the River Wye, where there are deep sections and strong currents, which make it extremely difficult to get out of.
“There is a green route marked out between the show, the young people’s village, Penmaenau Farm and Builth Wells town. Please use this, rather than any other route between these locations for your own safety.”
New safety measures were implemented at the show following the death of a 19-year-old in 2017. James Corfield was found dead in the River Wye after attending the event. His family called for “urgent safety issues” to be addressed after an inquest into his death. Consequently, a riverside security fence, signposts indicating safe walkways, and a safety group were established.
