Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) crews were called to Princes Quay in Hull on Saturday 5 June at around 10pm to reports of a 'person in the water'.
The first engine on scene from Hull Central was there within five minutes of the 999 call.
Two water rescue personnal entered the water with an inflatable raft and brought the man to safety. He was left with ambulance paramedics who had been sent to the incident.
Crews train at Princes Quay regularly throughout the year to be ready for such a situation and, unlike those who enter the water, they are only too well aware of the lack of exit points around the old dock.
Such exercises are vital to identify the quickest entry point for their boats or rafts. Every second counts as those in the water start to panic or get tired and can't keep themselves afloat. [Library photo]
High walls, no ladders and hidden dangers under the surface, combined with a very low water temperature, make Princes Quay a potential death trap.
Read more on 'Drinking and Water Safety'
Allegedly, the man entered the water for a £100 bet. In reality he was gambling with his life as cold water shock can kill within minutes.
In the UK statistics show that Saturday nights have a higher number of drownings than any other night of the week. Thankfully this irresponsible act did not add to that grim figure.
HFRS Group Manager Simon Donnachie, responsible for Public Safety and Response in Hull said:
'The crews did an exceptional job to get to this individual so quickly. However, it is worrying that three engines and other blue light services were tied up at this incident for a significant time when those resources could have been needed elsewhere in the city for a house fire or RTC.
'This was an entirely avoidable incident and I would urge all those drinking around docks, marinas or rivers this summer to not enter dangerous water under any circumstances. Next time we may be dealing with serious injury or worse.'