A WOMAN was saved from Walney Channel after a daring rescue by firefighters in the early hours.

A passerby working on the roadworks spotted the woman at around 3.30am yesterday and contacted emergency services.

Simon Morgan, crew manager at Walney fire station, mobilised a swift water rescue involving three firefighters to assist the struggling woman who was located at the centre of the channel.

Mr Morgan said: “We helped the woman out of the water and she seemed very cold.

“The water was chest deep as the tide was out.”

The incident involved a combined effort from Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service, Cumbria Police, North West Ambulance Service, and Furness Coastguard.

It is believed the woman was suffering from mental health issues.

On-the-scene firefighter, Ian Westall from Ulverston Fire, said: “I believe the woman was in the water for over an hour.

“We found her hanging onto a boat and she was struggling in the water.

“She was very cold to the touch once we got her out of the water.

“She seemed to be suffering from hypothermia.”

Communications Officer at North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, Christina Guthrie, said: “We were called at 3.56am to a female patient in the water.”

Mr Morgan added: “The ambulance took the woman to the hospital, but there was no details of any injuries.

“We advise the public to not go near the water, especially during the night.

“Cold water can shock people to the point of killing them.”