Scottish Government
 Printable version
|
 E-mail this to a friend
|
Scotland's water rescue capability
An independent review of Scotland's water rescue capability has concluded that there is no requirement for new legislation or wholesale change in current statutory arrangements and protocols.
The review, conducted by Paddy Tomkins QPM, formerly Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, makes a total of fifteen recommendations as to how local and national government and the emergency services can improve their collective response to flood and inland water rescue.
Among the fifteen recommendations are:
- Stronger, clearer governance arrangements
- The establishment of a national capability and asset register
- Improved communications between all agencies
- Better evaluation of lessons learned
- Increased public education of the potential dangers of inland water
Commenting on his findings, Mr Tomkins said:
"It is clear that Scotland already has a highly skilled and experienced water rescue capability. While the current multi-agency approach is robust, more can be done to ensure that the skills and resources of frontline responders, including the voluntary sector, are utilised in the most effective way".
"My review also highlights the critical limitations that Scotland's geography imposes on any water rescue capability. The professional responders I spoke with were firmly of the view that with over 27,000 lochs it would be simply unreasonable to expect that an emergency response will always be available. That is why I recommend a programme of education to ensure the public are aware of the potential dangers and take personal responsibility for their use of inland water".
The review was commissioned by Fergus Ewing, Minister for Community Safety, following discussions with key stakeholders regarding the clarity of roles and responsibilities.
Mr Ewing said:
"I am pleased the review concludes that the existing legislative arrangements are robust. An effective water rescue capability is essential to the people of Scotland, as is the public's responsibility for their own safety".
"This is a valuable and comprehensive review which will be a useful guide to inform how we further improve water rescue in Scotland. I am grateful to Paddy Tomkins and those who assisted him for producing this review so swiftly"
"I will now give the findings full consideration with a view to working with partners in local government and the emergency services to apply the recommendations where appropriate".
The review was commissioned in May 2009.
The Scottish Government will issue a formal response to the findings in the first quarter of 2010.
The objectives of the review were to examine:
- The resources and capabilities of all agencies currently involved in water rescue emergencies, including flooding
- Whether there is a need for changes in current operational arrangements between responders
- Whether there is a need for a change in the law covering the responders who cover water rescue
- The level of public awareness and education of the risks associated with open water.
The review considered the water rescue resource and capabilities of police, fire and rescue, military, red cross, mountain rescue, RNLI and Coastguard.
