Four rowing coaches from Bedford have been nationally recognised after their quick, coordinated response helped prevent a woman from falling into the River Great Ouse.
Rapid action on the riverbank
The Royal Humane Society has issued Certificates of Commendation to Richard White, Jason Foster, Daniella Flemons and Lily Boulton for their role in the incident during a morning training session.
According to accounts of the event, Richard White, a member of staff at Bedford School, was cycling along the river while coaching when he noticed a woman lying flat on the bank very close to the water. Initially believing she might be watching wildlife, he stopped to check and became concerned for her welfare. Jason Foster arrived, calling for emergency assistance and ensuring the group’s students were escorted back to the boathouse.
Coaches from Bedford Modern School, Daniella Flemons and Lily Boulton, were cycling past and independently stopped to help. The four coaches engaged the woman in conversation, keeping her under supervision and away from the river edge until police arrived and took over the scene.
“This was a difficult situation and the four award winners handled it with great care. They did a great job, and almost certainly their action prevented the woman from going into the river. All four richly deserve the awards they are to receive.”
The remark above comes from Andrew Chapman, secretary of the Royal Humane Society, who praised the group for remaining calm and coordinated under pressure.
Welfare concerns and follow-up
Those involved established during their conversation with the woman that she suffered from diabetes and was unable to recall when she had last eaten. That detail shaped their immediate priorities: sustaining contact, protecting her from the river edge and waiting for emergency services to arrive.
Daniella Flemons described the group’s approach as practical and welfare-focused. She emphasised their shared objective that morning was the woman’s safety, saying they acted sensibly and together to ensure she received help.
- Responders: Richard White, Jason Foster, Daniella Flemons, Lily Boulton
- Location: River Great Ouse embankment, Bedford
- Recognition: Royal Humane Society Certificates of Commendation
| Name | Role / Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Richard White | Bedford School staff member / coach |
| Jason Foster | Bedford School coach |
| Daniella Flemons | Bedford Modern School coach |
| Lily Boulton | Bedford Modern School coach |
Community response and context
The awards underline the value of vigilance and basic first-response skills among people using riverside spaces. River Great Ouse is a popular training area for schools and clubs; incidents on or close to the water can escalate quickly. The coaches’ actions — ensuring pupils were brought to safety, maintaining contact with the vulnerable adult and calling for help — demonstrate how prompt, calm intervention can prevent a serious outcome.
Police attended the scene and supported the woman into further care. The Royal Humane Society’s commendation highlights not only the immediate benefit to one person in distress but also the broader importance of community members being ready to assist when necessary.
The four coaches are due to receive their certificates in recognition of their conduct.
For local residents who use riverside paths, clubs or coaching sessions: being aware of people near the water’s edge, carrying a mobile phone and alerting emergency services immediately if someone appears incapacitated remain key steps to reduce risk.
Ethan Hall is the Bedford correspondent for InfoRadar.
