Police told not to hold their hand out to drowning swimmers

Police officers in one of Britian's biggest forces have been warned not to hold out a hand to drowning swimmers - in case they are pulled into the water themselves.

The guidance is contained in a health and safety policy document which says officers should also think twice before throwing a lifebelt.

The document, Health And Safety - Water Safety - states: "Devon and Cornwall Constabulary does not expect or require any member of staff to enter water in a rescue attempt of any person or animal under any circumstances."

It adds: "The task of rescuing members of the public or animals from water lies primarily with other emergency services that are equipped and trained to undertake such tasks."

And it says staff should not throw a lifebelt into the water until they have completed a "dynamic risk assessment" which is an on-the-spot judgment as to the likelihood of things going wrong.

The document adds: "Physical contact with a struggling casualty should be avoided to prevent a rescuer becoming overwhelmed and pulled into the water and submerged. Under no circumstances should personnel tie rope or any other item around themselves."