A huge aquatic pub crawl in Exeter has been cancelled after fears were raised that people taking part would die.
Almost 4,000 people had pledged to participate in an alcohol-fuelled challenge called 'Inflatables down the Exe' as part of unofficial post-exam celebrations for university students.
Revellers were due to float along the River Exe using an eclectic range of blow-up objects – from wild animals to pirate ships – on a mammoth 4.5-mile journey from the Quay to Topsham, via various drinking establishments.
Organisers then decided to reduce the scale of the event – in an effort to prevent authorities calling a halt to proceedings – and yet were still keen for participants to visit a number of local taverns along the route.
But the efforts to create a version of 'Spring Break' in the city on May 22 were punctured when police put an end to the hazardous plans.
PC Ian Lugg, neighbourhood beat manager for the University of Exeter community, explained that the decision to cancel the event had followed talks with organisers involving other local authorities.
"We have called off the event, due to the serious risk to life it would bring. Alcohol and water simply don't mix," he said.
He added that officers would be prepared to "act" on the day, if necessary.
The event had snowballed in popularity among students as well as local residents, after it was first advertised on Facebook last month.
But a number of people raised safety and logical concerns, with some warning that anyone taking part would be risking their life.
It is understood Exeter City Council refused to sanction use of the waterway for the event, and would have held the organisers liable for any issue arising.
In a message on the event page, organiser Pierre Keyzar said: "Unfortunately the event scheduled for the 22nd can't go ahead and we advise no one turn up on the date. We will look into doing a council approved one at a later date."
Co-organiser Tom Shopland added: "It's not illegal, but the event officially can't happen."
Several people expressed disappointment on Facebook at the decision to cancel the event.
A spokesman for the Cellar Door nightclub joked: "We think it is absolutely abhorrent that people were even considering using the river for something enjoyable and in no way should anyone ever consider taking pleasure by combining inflatable watercraft and alcohol on a sunny day in May, disgraceful."
