DORSET and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) has entered into a new partnership to strengthen the response if there is flooding.
DWFRS has signed the agreement with Surf Life Saving GB, Wessex Flood Rescue Unit to work together in the event of flooding and during other water rescues.
Surf Life Saving GB are a team of highly-trained volunteers based across the country, who already support fire crews and other emergency services at incidents, including the rescue of stranded people during the flooding in Cumbria in 2015.
DWFRS and Wessex Flood Rescue Unit (WFRU), a registered charity, signed a memorandum of understanding at Poole fire station, in view of the Poole harbour, which formally sets out how they will work and train together.
Dorset Area Commander Craig Baker, said: ‘Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is equipped and trained to carry out water rescues and this agreement will give them even more support when they need it."
Under the agreement, WFRU will support fire crews when called on, operating under their guidance at incidents that could include rescuing residents from flooded homes.
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