Punter takes a dunk as River Cam session goes somewhat awry

A family punt on the River Cam turned into a swimming session for one member of the Cambridge crew on Sunday.

It all started well, as a crew of four adults, a toddler and a border collie clambered aboard one of Scudamore’s punts at the Mill Lane punting station. The early afternoon weather was delightful, and one of the crew works in the shipping industry out of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, so there was an air of confidence to proceedings.

Lilly, aged three, settled down to a bag of crisps, only to find that the ducks were not shy when it comes to crisps. Not only that, but they’re really fast in the water and their eyesight is pretty good too, so a lot of crisps went overboard to keep the ducks happy.

After the Mathematical Bridge was passed, Lilly’s mum, Flo, took over from Lilly’s dad, Thijs, who retired to the back of the punt for a beer. By the time the punt got to the stretch of river behind King’s College Chapel, the ducks, presumably weighed down by crisps, gave up the chase.

On the way back Emily decided to give the punting a go. Everything seemed to be going okay until the punt drifted towards the bank, brushing against some branches from the willow trees on the side. As she tried to brush the branches aside while holding on to the pole she shifted position, took a step too far, lost her footing and ended up in the water.

After a couple of minutes of complete pandemonium the punt was rowed towards the bank and, after various attempts, Emily clambered back on board, at which point a crowd of 20 or 30 people on Silver Street bridge – and everyone else on the river – burst into applause.

One of those on the bridge, a gentleman called Mario, took some pictures and walked to the punting station to offer them. Everyone laughed it off but the water was very green and the advice has to be: if you fall in the River Cam, or go swimming in the water, do not swallow any water.

“It was fun,” Emily said of the experience. “I’ve not got any signs of tetanus or E.coli thankfully!”

Rod Ingersent, managing director, Scudamore’s Punting Company, said: “I’d estimate that two or three people fall in the Cam each month during the busier summer months and perhaps one or two a month at the other times of year, so perhaps 30 a year in total.

“In my own experience – I’ve fallen in a few times over the years – it’s easiest to get back on board via the rear deck, and a helping hand from those still on board is always appreciated.”

Instead of what the crew of this session did, which is look on in hilarity and fits of laughter!