Tuesday 5
February
15.00hrs
Firefighters from Avon Fire & Rescue Service
(AF&RS) took to the waters of the River Avon in
Bath earlier today to train in new water rescue
techniques.
The firefighters rehearsed a series of swift water rescue
scenarios along the river at Widcomb, Monkton Coomb and Bathampton
Mill.
Swift water rescue is deployed during incidents where time is of
the essence – to people trapped in fast-flowing streams, rivers or
floodwater.
Tuesday’s exercise was the latest in a series of training
carried out by AF&RS to improve its response to water related
incidents, said Watch Manager Kevin Escott, from Red Watch
Bath.
He added: “We currently have 11 firefighters from Bath and
Bedminster who are training to become Instructors in Water Rescue
and when qualified they will bring this knowledge back to Avon to
train their colleagues.
“The inland waterways of the area are becoming increasingly busy
and are used for a variety of hobbies, travel and jobs. As a
result we need to be prepared to respond to a range of incidents –
not only to protect the public, but also to ensure our
firefighters’ safety when carrying out rescues.”
“And while last summer’s floods did not affect the area, these
types of weather events are something we need to make sure we are
ready for.”
Among the areas covered in swift water rescue training includes
aggressive and defensive swimming and tethered
swims.