Gloucestershire’s waterways safer thanks to firefighters' boat donation (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Severn Area Rescue Service has been donated an eight-year-old boat by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service

8:00am Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Ian Craig

A WATER rescue charity based in Gloucestershire will be poised to respond to any future flooding thanks to the donation of a boat from the county’s fire service.

Severn Area Rescue Service, which helps people who get into danger along the country’s longest river, has been donated the eight-year-old boat by Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

The fire service has recently replaced the boat after eight years of operational service and refurbished it so it can be used by the charity for water rescue exercises.

SARA station commander for Tewkesbury Tom Keeling said the charity was “thrilled” to be given the boat, which was set to be put to immediate use.

“This significantly increases our capability and strengthens our partnership with Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue,” he said.

Gloucestershire’s chief fire officer Jon Hall said he was “delighted” the boat would be used to protect the county’s residents for years to come.

“This is another excellent example of the outstanding relationship we have with SARA, which is essential in ensuring the county has the water rescue response it deserves,” he said.

Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for community safety Cllr Will Windsor-Clive (Con, Newent) said recent flooding had demonstrated how important it was for all rescue services to work together and the new boat would improve this.