Reach and Rescue’s lifesaving Portsafe public access water rescue system has been installed at numerous waterside locations across North Wales as part of a campaign to improve community safety.
Purchased by non-profit local action group Menter Mon with support from the North Wales Fisheries Local Action Group (NWFLAG), the Portsafes are situated in specific locations intended to boost the safety of fishermen working at the busy harbours, as well as improve the safety of visiting members of the public.
Portsafe claims that the long-reach rescue poles securely contained in the Portsafe offer means to recover casualties in water accurately and in a much faster timeframe when compared a life ring. Crucially, they’re less prone to vandalism or theft too when compared to life rings.
Currently, Menter Mon have installed Portsafe with 17m rescue pole and emergency throwlines in five high-risk locations:
- Pwllheli Marina
- Amlwch Port
- Conwy Quay
- Rhyl Harbour
- Connah’s Quay
These locations serve both private and commercial use; another important point as it is vital that water safety equipment satisfies the demands of whoever is using the location. Effective water safety and rescue equipment is essential as the marine industry is amongst the UK’s most dangerous, with commercial fishing being declared the most hazardous in the Department for Transport’s 2019 Marine Safety Action Plan.
The UK’s Port Marine Safety Code states Harbour Masters have a duty to undertake a proper risk assessment of their port and then to take reasonable steps to manage this risk down to acceptable levels.
By Jake Frith
