Dramatic scenes unfolded at a West Yorkshire marina – but it was all in the name of training. Sally Clifford went along to find out more.
THE serenity of the canal was momentarily disturbed by the cries of ‘man overboard.’
While the sight of a body in the water may have been alarming for those taking an early-morning stroll along the towpath, it soon became apparent that this rescue wasn’t all that it seemed.
The objective of the training exercise on the Calder and Hebble Navigation, at Shepley Bridge Marina, in Mirfield, was for volunteers with the Safe Anchor Trust based there to refresh their rescue skills and techniques in the event of a real-life rescue situation.
Over the following hours, the throwing of specialist rescue lines were repeated several times to retrieve Eric, the life-like training mannequin who had ‘tumbled’ into the canal.
The swift pace at which the volunteers worked to rescue the mannequin, weighing six stone dry and up to 10 stone wet, was to minimise the effect of possible cold water shock and other conditions.
Assisted by officers from West Yorkshire Fire Service, who donated the six 20m water rescue throw lines used during the exercise, the volunteers were able to put their skills into practice.
Once satisfied with that technique, they moved on to a trickier exercise – retrieving Eric who had fallen overboard while the charity’s 46ft broad beam boat, Austen Johnson, was navigating the lock. During the exercise, the teams were able to discuss different ways of dealing with what proved to be a more complex rescue operation due to the challenges of the confined space.
These sessions are part of a comprehensive emergency response training programme the award-winning charity has introduced to ensure its volunteers are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to handle emergency situations effectively.
It isn’t the first time that the organisation, which provides boat trips from Shepley Bridge Marina for the disadvantaged and disabled within the local community, has worked with the local fire service on a rescue operation. Safe Anchor Trust chairman David Himsley told how it has held training exercises with officers from the local fire station for nearly 10 years. One time, as part of Boat Fire Safety Week, officers from Mirfield and Dewsbury Fire Stations simulated a narrowboat fire rescue at the marina.
Such training exercises not only help the volunteers to practice their skills, but they also enable fire officers to pass on their knowledge and expertise too.
Safe Anchor Trust already provides nationally recognised training for all its crew, and while real-life emergency situations are very rare, training and preparation are essential.
“Handling emergencies such as fires, evacuation of vulnerable passengers, or a ‘man overboard,’ need to be second nature. With the help and support of the local fire and rescue service, the trust’s training initiative will provide regular hands-on practice to all their crew. The aim is to ensure that they will respond calmly, competently, and instinctively in any situation,” David said.
“We strive for excellence in what we do. We have a duty of care to our passengers and our community, to be the best we can, and to use best practice to protect and ensure the safety of all those who come on trips with us.”
Darrell Sturgeon, watch manager at Mirfield Fire Station, who is also a qualified water rescue technician, was among four fire officers involved in this training session. For Darrell and his colleagues, raising awareness of water safety is imperative.
“The training is massively important,” he said. “Throughout West Yorkshire, we experience a lot of water rescue incidents. Sadly, over the last few years, there have been several fatalities.”
They are particularly keen, he said, to raise awareness about water safety among youngsters. Encouraging parents to talk to their children about the dangers of water will help to deter them from playing in and around the waterways.
As well as working with Safe Anchor Trust, the crew has also run similar training sessions with businesses in Mirfield which are located close to the river.
“It is very important to come to out to places to give them some knowledge, further understanding, and a little bit of learning about water safety,” said Darrell.
“It’s getting the education out there and making people realise that water is not safe – it is dangerous, and you have to be very aware of what you are doing.”
David added: “We are extremely grateful to all the crews at our local fire station for their generous donation of the equipment, which has been provided from their own fundraising activities, and for their advice and help in developing our training course and improving our emergency procedures.”
EACH year, the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) runs Be Water Aware, its campaign to prevent drowning and promote water safety.
The NFCC urges the public to be safe in and around the water by following simple safety advice to reduce preventable deaths, the majority of which occur in inland waters such as rivers and canals.
“Many people don’t realise how easily everyday situations, like walking near a riverbank, or trying to cool off on a warm day, can end in tragedy,” said a Be Water Aware spokesperson.
“Our message is simple. We encourage people to reduce their risk of drowning by making safe choices around water and to know what to do if an emergency should happen.”
Simple tips to help stay safe include:
- Stick to proper pathways and stay clear of the water’s edge.
- Don’t enter the water after drinking alcohol. Walk a safe route home after drinking, with friends, and away from water.
- Cold water shock can kill. Walking into the water rather than jumping in can help reduce the risk.
If someone is in trouble in the water, the best way to help is by staying calm, staying on land, and remember Call, Tell, Throw:
- Call 999 for the emergency services
- Tell the struggling person to float on their back
- Throw them something that floats.
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, remember to ‘Float to Live’. Tilt your head back with your ears submerged. Relax and breathe normally. Move your hands to help stay afloat. Spread your arms and legs out. Once your breathing is controlled, call for help or swim to safety.
Visit https://nfcc.org.uk/our-services/campaigns/be-water-aware/
