Evening Times Online - June 08 2005 - By Stewart Paterson
Firefighters get Jet Skis to save people from the Clyde
FIREFIGHTERS will use powerful jet skis to rescue people from the River Clyde.
In a first for Scotland, Strathclyde firemen will use £100,000 of new equipment to save people from drowning.
A rapid response team will be on the river within minutes of a call-out using jet skis and semi inflatable rescue boats.
Strathclyde Fire and Rescue service are taking over responsibility for rescue services on the river between the Weir at Glasgow Green and the Erskine Bridge.
The service was previously provided by George Parsonage of the Glasgow Humane Society who patrolled the waters for more than 25 years.
But health and safety rules have meant Strathclyde Police has had to stop using George's services and ask the fire service to step in.
Strathclyde Fire Brigade will officially change its name to Strathclyde Fire and Rescue today and some of the new equipment is on public display in George Square. Staff will be trained to use two three-seater jet skis capable of speeds of 55mph which can tow a floating stretcher.
They will be backed up by two 5.3 metre long rescue boats.
A budget of £100,000 has been added to the service's budget to be allocated to buy the equipment needed.
No other fire brigade or river rescue service in Scotland is thought to have jet skis, only the RNLI which uses them in the south coast of England for lifeguard duties.
Four firefighters from Strathclyde will be trained as instructors who will then train firefighters in using the equipment. A spokesman for Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said: "We will be making sure staff are trained in the use of the equipment to provide what will be a rapid response service. "Boats and jet skis will be towed to the existing river slipways and will be on the water quickly."
Mr Parsonage, who is still responding to call-outs from members of the public and other agencies, said he hoped the new service was a success. He said: "I have never used a jet ski so I couldn't comment on their suitability. "I pray they get it right and I am sure they will.
Glasgow has been used to a good rescue service so they have a lot to live up to." To mark the name change and new responsibilities, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue launched a display of services in George Square today.
The launch included a dramatic rescue with Glasgow's curry king Charan Gill being cut out of a crashed car.
Firefighters also staged a real chip pan fire and a "Hazard House" to highlight dangers in the home.