STAFF at a Worcester pub who dashed to the riverbank to help the rescue operation have described the distressing moments endured by the three other swimmers as they prayed for the life of their friend.

The Wheatsheaf Inn, in Henwick Road, overlooks the river Severn almost exactly where Tony Ballard and three friends went swimming on Monday.

The 17-year-old’s body was pulled from the river at about 6pm.

He was pronounced dead at Worcestershire Royal Hospital at 8.45pm.

Landlord Guy Beech said he heard some commotion coming from the riverbank but, at first, didn’t think it was anything unusual.

Mr Beech, aged 28, said: “I was decorating in one of the rooms which overlooks the river and heard some shouting.

“I saw a group of three lads running along the bank, which is not uncommon at all. But then I noticed their body language and could tell they were very distressed.

“I thought somebody had fallen into the river so we made our way down as my wife used to be a lifeguard.

“Within a few minutes two police officers and other emergency services had arrived.

“We thought it would be a good idea to get the three lads away from the riverbank so told the police they could take them to the pub.

“The three boys had left their clothes on the Pitchcroft side of the river so were only in their boxer shorts.

“They were in complete shock and were shaking and shivering.

“We gave them some towels and clothes and gave them something to drink while the police took statements.

“They were really distressed and concerned about their friend.

“One of the lads said he went back into the river and got hold of him but was getting dragged under himself and couldn’t hold on.

“We tried to keep positive but as the minutes ticked by it became more like a recovery operation rather than anything else.”

Mr Beech said after about an hour the boys’ parents arrived at the pub to take them home.

He added: “These lads were not drunk, fooling around or causing mischief, they were just trying to relax and cool off on one of the hottest days of the year.

“Four really, really nice, bright lads went for a swim and sadly it ended in tragedy.”

Yesterday, the three boys visited the pub to say thank you for the help and support they were given on Monday and invited Mr Beech and his wife Kirsten to a memorial gathering at Fort Royal Park tomorrow.

Mrs Beech said: “The three of them went out on to the balcony and had a moment looking out across the river just standing there in silence.”

A member of staff from the Mercia Inshore Search and Rescue also visited the pub yesterday to say they will donate some safety equipment which can be kept on the premises permanently.

Mr Beech added: “In this instance we will never know if having more safety equipment to hand could have prevented this tragic incident but it may be able to make a difference in the future.”

Friends of Tony Ballard will be gathering at Fort Royal Park at noon tomorrow to pay tribute to the teenager.