A HEROIC former firefighter's quick thinking could have saved the lives of two rowers whose boat capsized in the River Severn.

Chris Clements leapt into action to pull Alan Rodgers, 38, and 72-year-old Brian Swindell from the swollen and fast-flowing river at Upton at around 9.30am on Saturday, January 27.

They had been tossed into the dangerous waters when their boat flipped over after currents took them too close to the bank.

Mr Clements, a former sub-officer at Upton fire station, used a rope from his garage to help drag Mr Rodgers, who was struggling in the freezing water, to safety.

He then returned to help Mr Swindell, who had remained clinging on to the boat, out of the water.

Mr Clements, 64, was a retained firefighter in Upton for 25 years before he retired 10 years ago. He said his training and experience came flooding back when he realised the rowers were in danger.

"I don't consider that I did anything particularly heroic, and I would hope anybody would do the same thing for me," he said. "Everything soon came back to me when it had to, and it was just a bit of luck I was there at the time because there was no-one else around."

Mr Rodgers said both he and Mr Swindell were very grateful to their rescuer, and the fire brigade who helped them once they were out of the water.

"It was a very frightening experience, and it could've been a whole lot different were it not for their help," he said. "The current was very strong and the water temperature was unbelievable - I took in a fair bit of water and was really struggling to get to the bank."

Upton Rowing Club captain Debbie, Thompson said the incident could have ended in tragedy. "I think Mr Clements probably saved their lives," she said. "If he had not been there then I don't know what would have happened - I suppose they would just have carried on down the river."

She added that the river was high and flowing quickly, but that other crews were out as well and the conditions were definitely rowable.

Paramedics took both men to Worcester Royal Hospital, where they were treated for mild hypothermia.