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WPD takes to the water
17/03/2017
A nine-strong team from our Boston depot have taken to the water in a bid to strengthen the company’s emergency response to floods.
All nine have gained the Rescue 3 Europe standard as both Swiftwater Rescue Technicians and Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operators.
Pictured (front left to right): Jamie Currie, Stuart Holland and Kev Hunter, (back l-r) Stacey Cartwright, Jamie Rushin and Dave Nicholls.
The qualifications mean that in the event of a flood our team can carry out vital tasks including safety inspections and network switching without having to rely on the emergency services.
Boston Area Planner Stuart Holland said: “The first part of our training involved learning how to read fast-flowing water and techniques to rescue ourselves; this included having to rescue one another from fast-flowing rivers and other turbulent waters.
“The second part of the training was about learning how to handle a boat in both swift moving and still water.
“To keep our certification we are required to carry out training sessions bi-annually, so residents may see us out and about on local waterways.”
In addition, we have invested in water rescue boats, a rescue sled and a SupaCat amphibious craft. We also have a number of pump tender units (ex-fire engines) stationed around our distribution area and have carried out flood wall protection at major substations and raised at-risk secondary substations to prevent water ingress.
Jamie Rushin, Jamie Currie and Stuart Holland are pictured demonstrating their rescue techniques.
All nine have gained the Rescue 3 Europe standard as both Swiftwater Rescue Technicians and Swiftwater and Flood Rescue Boat Operators.
Pictured (front left to right): Jamie Currie, Stuart Holland and Kev Hunter, (back l-r) Stacey Cartwright, Jamie Rushin and Dave Nicholls.
The qualifications mean that in the event of a flood our team can carry out vital tasks including safety inspections and network switching without having to rely on the emergency services.
Boston Area Planner Stuart Holland said: “The first part of our training involved learning how to read fast-flowing water and techniques to rescue ourselves; this included having to rescue one another from fast-flowing rivers and other turbulent waters.
“The second part of the training was about learning how to handle a boat in both swift moving and still water.
“To keep our certification we are required to carry out training sessions bi-annually, so residents may see us out and about on local waterways.”
In addition, we have invested in water rescue boats, a rescue sled and a SupaCat amphibious craft. We also have a number of pump tender units (ex-fire engines) stationed around our distribution area and have carried out flood wall protection at major substations and raised at-risk secondary substations to prevent water ingress.
Jamie Rushin, Jamie Currie and Stuart Holland are pictured demonstrating their rescue techniques.
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