A Newport pensioner is demanding the area around the canal basin is made safer - after falling in and nearly drowning.
Arthur Miller was quietly feeding the swans on the canal last Sunday morning, when he lost his footing and fell in.
He was left completely submersed and struggling for his life in the bitterly cold water.
With nothing to grab onto, Mr Miller was left floundering for more than two minutes until an anonymous jogger came to his aid.
The female runner shouted for assistance, a cry heard by Newport Christian Fellowship leader Mark Warren-Smith, who was walking by.
Mr Warren-Smith eventually managed to heave six foot tall Mr Miller out of the water and administer first aid.
Mr Miller was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford by ambulance, but was discharged after a number of routine checks.
The pensioner, who walks with a stick, believes that he had a lucky escape - and he is urging the council to take action before a more serious incident occurs.
He said: “I nearly lost my life, but fortunately I could swim so I was alright.
“Somebody is going to drown in there, not because I nearly did, but because there’s no life saving equipment. There’s not even any warnings of deep water.
“There’s a sheer drop down and house bricks all along the side
“If there was just some horseshoes in the wall then you’d have something to catch hold of and pull yourself up.
“If a child falls in there - or an adult for that matter - they’ll drown, unless something is done about it.
“It’s a wonder nobody has drowned in there before. I’m pretty used to water but it was a scary experience.”
Mr Miller added he has tried to contact Telford & Wrekin Council about the dangers since his lucky escape but has received no response.
He added: “I’m sure when they’ve decided that something does need to be done it’ll take 10 council meetings to get the ball rolling
“And as for the swans, I’ve fed them all these years and they did nothing to help me!”
Telford & Wrekin Council Health and Safety Manager, Jo Revell, said an investigation into the incident had been launched.
She said: “We will investigate Mr Miller’s concerns and see whether any more can sensibly be done to make sure the area is safe without compromising the appearance and enjoyment of the area.
“But the intention is certainly not, and never will, be to securely fence off all areas of open water.”
