Water safety equipment installed along river

New water safety equipment has been installed along the River Avon in Melksham to help people respond to emergencies in the water. 

Three rescue containers containing throwlines and other lifesaving equipment have been installed at locations along the river, including King George V Park.

The measures follow concerns raised last summer after the Adventure Centre helped rescue children who had got into difficulty in the river. The centre reported three near-miss incidents involving children playing in the water last year.

The equipment, installed by Melksham Town Council, was delivered following collaboration with several partners, including Wiltshire Search and Rescue and Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, which provided specialist advice on the most appropriate equipment for the location.

Hayley Bell, Chief Executive and Town Clerk of Melksham Town Council, said, “Melksham Town Council would like to thank all partners involved in the project for their support and expertise. By working collaboratively, the organisations have taken a positive and preventative approach to water safety, helping to make the River Avon a safer environment for residents and visitors alike.”

The throwlines will be locked at the riverside locations and anyone needing to access them will be required to call 999. The Adventure Centre will carry out regular inspections and maintenance.

The equipment was installed on 4th September at a cost of £1,650. It has been registered with the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS UK) and on the GoodSAM website.