The Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue swift water rescue teams continue to be trained to the highest standards in Plymouth with the support of a local business.
Firefighters serving on the teams are called out to large flooding incidents to rescue people from deep water and require specialist training to carry out difficult rescues in safety. Plymouth-based Yacht Havens Turnchapel Wharf Ltd provides the Service with storage for its training boat and access to its slipway and other facilities.
Group Manager Nick Jones, Principal of Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service’s RYA Training Section, said: “We are extremely grateful to Yacht Havens Turnchapel Wharf Ltd for allowing us to use their excellent storage facilities for this important resource. Firefighters regularly deal with flooding incidents but there is the possibility that our specialist crews may be called to assist with a large-scale flooding incident in Devon or elsewhere across the country. The facility will help to ensure they are sufficiently trained to deal with any flooding-related incident.”
The Rib Tech 5.85 metre training boat has a Suzuki 90hp outboard engine and was chosen for its power to weight ratio as well as fuel efficiency. It is used to train the south west based swift water teams crews to RYA Level 2 Standard. The teams operate as part of the national flood response set-up. The training vessel is in addition to the Service’s existing 12m Cat which operates out of Plymouth.
Ryan Bonney, Manager of the Yacht Havens Turnchapel Wharf site, said: “It is a pleasure to support our local fire and rescue service, recognising what an essential job they do both on and off the water.”