Two Bath policemen are being nominated for bravery awards after saving the life of a man who had jumped into the river off Pulteney Bridge.

The officers, PC Jon Bevan and Sgt Clive Summerill, came to the rescue in the early hours of Saturday after the reveller apparently decided to leap into the water for fun after a night out in the city.

And within an hour of the man being saved, three others had also jumped into the Avon near the weir and, although none of them needed assistance, they were all reprimanded by the police when they got out of the water.

The incidents have led the head of Bath police to put out a stern warning to people about the dangers of swimming in the river.

Chief Supt Gary Davies said: "People who've been out drinking might think it's fun and a dare to cool off by jumping in to the river.

"It's not. It's extremely dangerous and irresponsible. They can put themselves at risk and, as in this case, put their rescuers in real danger too."

The officers had been on patrol in the city centre at around 1.30am on Saturday when they were stopped by a member of the public who said a man had got into difficulties in the water by the weir.

The pair called the fire service for help and then ran to Spring Gardens, where they saw a man on the opposite side of the river.

PC Bevan said: "Someone gave me an orange life ring and I was shouting to the man to swim towards me but he appeared to be having difficulty and began to bob under the water.

"I was worried that he was drifting towards the weir, and as the fire brigade hadn't arrived I decided the only option was to swim across to rescue the man, who appeared to be having extreme difficulty staying afloat.

"I thought that if I didn't jump in and help him, I would be watching a man drown."

He and Sgt Summerill managed to reach the man and help him to safety before he was taken to the Royal United Hospital.

Sgt Summerill said: "The man is really lucky that he was not killed, and we were able to help him.

"When I got there I realised that I had to jump in to help Jon. After we had got him out I had time to reflect on the situation, and realised how differently it could have all ended."

The 29-year-old was later arrested on two public order charges and is due to appear at Bath Magistrates Court later this month.

Both officers went back on duty after the incident and have since been recommended for Royal Humane Society awards.

PC Bevan said: "You don't do something like this to get the award, but it is really nice to have been recognised in this way."

Sgt Summerill said: "I feel mildly embarrassed by the nomination, but proud at the same time."

PC Bevan has been recognised for his service before, receiving a District Commander's Commendation in 2008 for his work as the first officer at the scene of the murder of Bath shop worker Ben Foster.

Chief Supt Davies said: "Once again my officers have put the public first ahead of their own personal safety. They acted extremely bravely and prevented what could have been a tragedy."

The stretch of river near Pulteney Weir is notoriously dangerous and has claimed several lives in recent years.