ALSAR units are making a splash for safety

In keeping with the ALSAR Water Safety strategy, members of Kent, Surrey and Berkshire took part in the Water Safety Training in Yalding in Kent. The weekend was split in two with the first day being Bank Search Training with Stuart Kenny from KSAR and the Module 2 Water Rescue First Responder training with Andy Ford and Paul Lewis

The main purpose of the first day was to train unit members how to safely conduct searches at the water margins. This included water awareness, equipment, rescue priorities, use of throw lines and the mechanics of conducting Water Bank searches

On the Sunday the attendees took part in the Module 2 - Water Rescue First Responder training with Andy Ford and the ALSAR Training Officer Paul Lewis. Those who attended have now been added to ALSAR's national register. The location provided ample opportunity (when the sluice gates opened) for everyone to experience the force of moving water.

Paul Lewis, ALSAR Training Officer said “It was great to see so people from the different units sharing experience and working together. Water safety is an essential part of the work that ALSAR teams do and with the addition of the Flood First Responder certifications means that teams can offer an enhanced Civil Contingency service if they wish”