Crossword Genius

Rescue from deep river, swimming out of depth (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reprieve

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'rescue' is the definition.
(reprieve is a kind of rescue)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for reprieve that I've seen before include "Let off; brief respite" , "Postponement of punishment" , "Let off punishment" , "Delay or cancel punishment" , "Temporary relief from harm" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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