Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
New partnership can save lives
A LIFESAVING partnership has been signed between Dundee City Council and marine safety organisation Coastwatch Tay.
The collabaration has been rolled out over recent weeks, with volunteers from Coastwatch Tay now in charge of checking over safety equipment at the river’s edge, from Broughty Ferry all the way to the airport, on behalf of the council.
Volunteers from the organisation are taking on responsibitiles previously held by Tayside Contracts operatives.
Coastwatch Tay’s deputy station manager William Brown said: “We are like a middle man for the coastguard but our main aim is to give back to the community.
“Our team meets on Fridays and over the weekend to assist rescue organisations and safeguard the lives of people.
“Our patrols monitor and report to the authorities any missing or damaged lifesaving equipment.
“This service is provided at no cost to the council as part of our ongoing commitment to community safety.”
William, who also works as a security officer and volunteers in the role alongside four other members of the team, admitted keeping an eye on the coast can be “intense”.
He said: “It’s a lot of hard work sometimes but there’s no better feeling than getting people safe.
“It’s great to see someone getting lifted into a helicopter or boat and to know we’ve been there and been a part of it.
“It would be a big hurt if we didn’t spot something and report it to the coastguard.
“You’ve got to have your bearings to report it accurately.”
He added: “Most of the time our advice is taken on board but a few years ago there was a guy who went on a jet ski without his life jacket and toppled over.
“Someone had to shoot a life ring over to him.
“When he came off, his trousers were filled up and he admitted he should have taken our advice.”
Convener of city development Lynne Short welcomed the partnership, praising the dedication of coastwatch volunteers.
She said: “It’s an amazing opportunity to use skilled operatives who are out there creating a safe environment for all. They should be thanked for all the work they do, it’s such a useful service.
“Coastwatch had been checking the lifesaving equipment for years and we realised there was a duplication of services so by bringing them on board we’re taking away a layer of duplication instead of using officers.”