I don't think you can merely rely on slackening the bolts and levering the pump upwards - I think that might risk breaking the seal of the main gasket and causing another leak.
You really don't want to risk losing water at that rate - if the engine overheats you risk distorting the cylinder head, and then more leaks.
I once had a top rubber seal blow out without warning. There had been no previous leaks, but fortunately at very low speed I noticed the bonnet engulfed in steam the temperature gauge rise to maximum. I stopped immediately and found a torrent of water pouring out of the top of the pump.
It's tricky operation replacing the seal - you need three hands. Keep the pump firmly levered upwards without slipping until you have all the bolts tightened fully. If they aren't tight the pump will slip down and the pressure on the seal lost.
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