Police have warned people to 'make sure river water isn't your last drink' after two people worse the wear for alcohol had to be rescued from Norfolk waterways.

The warning from Norfolk Constabulary's Broads Beat team comes hot on the heels of two water rescues in the past couple of weeks.

Police were called to Norwich Road in Wroxham at about 9.20pm on Monday, April 23 after a 55-year-old woman slipped and fell into the river as she walked along the bank.

The woman, who had been drinking, was rescued by passers-by who pulled her from the water.

And tragedy was averted in Horning last Friday, where a woman fell from a boat after drinking alcohol.

The woman was not wearing a lifejacket and had to be pulled out of the water by people nearby.

PC Paul Bassham said: 'Alcohol and water is a dangerous mix and we would like to remind those at the helm of a vessel that there are hefty fines for navigating when not in proper control of your boat whether this is due to taking drugs or being intoxicated.

'There have been a couple of incidents recently where people have fallen into the river after consuming alcohol. Our message is simple 'don't let river water be your last drink.'

Meanwhile, Broads Beat officers are also highlighting the importance of wearing life jackets after another river rescue in Horning on Sunday.

Emergency services were called to an area near Ferry Road at about 1pm because a 68-year-old woman had fallen into the water, slipping as she tried to moor the boat.

Another passenger dived in after her and both were in the water for about 15 minutes before getting to the riverbank.

Fortunately, the woman on that occasion was wearing a life jacket and police said that probably helped save her life.

PC Bassham added: 'I can't emphasise enough the importance of wearing a life jacket. Put simply, they are life savers. When we got to the scene we discovered the woman who fell into the water couldn't swim and had she not been wearing a life jacket, the outcome could have been very different.'

Broads Beat officers will continue to carry out land and river patrols throughout the summer season to ensure the Broads remain a safe place to visit.

Last month a new campaign was launched to encourage people to wear lifejackets while enjoying themselves out on the Broads this summer.

The Broads Authority joined forces with the Broads Hire Boat Federation, holiday booking agents Blakes/Hoseasons and the Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association, which represents private boaters, to ensure the safety message gets across.

Wear It posters are being displayed at boat yards around the Broads from Easter and hire boats will be issued with key rings displaying the safety message.

Branded wind-up torches are also on sale in yacht stations and Broads Authority Information Centres.