NewsUK NewsDartmoor National ParkEmergency services closed the road at Spitchwick on Dartmoor, a popular swimming spot on the River Dart, on Saturday after the teen reportedly slipped while cliff jumpingOlivier Vergnault and Joe Smith News Reporter08:46, 13 Jul 2026A twelve-year-old boy was taken to hospital by air ambulance after he fell into a river at a Dartmoor beauty spot at the weekend.‌The youngster dived into the water at Spitchwick on Dartmoor, a popular swimming spot on the River Dart on Saturday. The road was closed for an hour while emergency services descended on the scene and rescued the teen.‌The Devon Air Ambulance arrived at the scene around 15 minutes after the incident took place - about 12pm on Saturday, July 11. One eyewitness said the boy slipped whilst cliff jumping, Devon Live reports.‌They added: "The response was quick with lots of help turning up including Dartmoor rangers, Devon and Cornwall Police and paramedics the roads were closed for an hour but all back to normal now."Sharing details of the incident on their Facebook page, Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team - Ashburton, said: "We were called on Saturday 11 July to assist following the report of a child hurt diving in to the river at Spitchwick.Article continues below"Team members deployed to help evacuate the 12-year-old boy by stretcher a short distance to a Devon Air Ambulance Trust helicopter. As it was a hot day, the popular swimming and picnic spot was busy."Emergency vehicles needed to block the lane, so team members controlled traffic to the access road until the air ambulance had departed. We wish the child a speedy recovery."Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Devon and Cornwall PoliceHospitalsDartmoor National Park