RSPCA rescuer jumps into lake to save a swan

An RSPCA animal rescuer had to dive across the water to save an injured swan with a fishing hook embedded in his leg.

The animal welfare charity was called to help after a member of the public spotted the distressed male swan at Astbury Mere nature reserve in Congleton.

Animal Welfare Officer Steve Wickham previously attended the scene but was unable to entice the swan towards him so returned on Tuesday (May 26) with a water rescue boat.

He steered the boat close to the injured swan on the lake and Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Lauren Bradshaw was trying to use a specialist pole to safely grab the bird - but he kept escaping.

In the end, Lauren had to jump off the boat, run through the water and dive for the swan to rescue him. 

The swan had a fishing hook through his leg - which Lauren was unable to move - and was taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre, near Nantwich, for treatment.

Once he has recovered he will be released back into the area where his female mate is currently sitting on a nest.

The RSPCA said this incident serves as a reminder for people to make sure they dispose of fishing litter properly and on Monday (June 1) Steve was called to two other similar incidents involving fishing litter.

He rescued a swan from Longsight Park, in Bolton, with fishing line trapped down his mouth and in his throat and also a gosling from Doffcocker Lodge nature reserve, in Bolton, entangled in fishing line which was cutting into him.