Fire and rescue service and coastguard launch new lifesaving partnership
The collaboration aims to improve operational efficiency at the Selsey base.
As part of the agreement, the fire service will provide compressed air cylinders from Selsey Fire Station for the coastguard to use when responding to emergency incidents.
This initiative is expected to "offer a significant time saving for HM Coastguard in the event of an emergency incident, while providing operational resilience."
The coastguard will reciprocate by supplying the fire service with specialist water rescue personal protective equipment during joint incidents, enhancing the fire service's operational capacity.
Station manager Mick Dunham, who led the project, said: "We work very closely with all of our emergency service partners, but following an emergency incident where we worked closely with HM Coastguard we identified areas where we could improve and support our colleagues at HM Coastguard through our Operational Assurance debrief process.
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"Introducing this agreement between WSFRS and HM Coastguard will offer significant operational efficiencies for HM Coastguard and improve their, and our, operational capability.
"Minimising the amount of time it takes for them to recharge their cylinders will ensure they retain operational availability to respond in the event of an emergency when the public need them most."
On Tuesday evening, members of the coastguard attended Selsey Fire Station for a familiarisation session to discuss how the new agreement will operate.
Mike Kerley, senior coastal operations officer with HM Coastguard, said: "This is a great example of fellow emergency services working together to further enhance both our responses, making them sharp and effective for the public.
"This could benefit anyone who gets into difficulty by the shore. If you see an emergency by the coast, call 999 and ask for Coastguard."
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