A child sat on a hay bale floating on the Grand Union Canal has been rescued by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Loughborough Station of the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the hay bale moved to the middle of the Grand Union Canal due to the current of passing boats.

In a statement on Facebook, the resuce service said: "Crews using a reach pole and throw line were able to pull the youth to the bank side.

"This incident posed a danger not only to the child who could not swim but also to boaters.

"Three fire engines and police were mobilised to this incident."

Water safety

The Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service then shared tips on staying safe in the water during the summer.

These tips included:

Do not swim alone or unsupervised;
Avoid alcohol, sunburn and exhaustion. Stay hydrated and rested;
Wear a life jacket in open water;
Enter slowly and carefully and never jump from heights;
Stay within reach and within a standing depth;
Know your limits and do not take risks.

Lancashire horse rescue

A horse was rescued from mud on Jubilee Lane, Blackpool, on Sunday (August 4) at 10:44a.m by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Three fire engines from Fleetwood, South Shore and Preston attended the animal rescue.

Firefighters used strops, slings and inflatable walkways to rescue the horse who was handed into the care of a vet.

Crews were in attendance for one hour and 40 minutes.