Roseanna welcomes water rescue debate and praises safetay initiative
The Scottish National Party's Ms Roseanna Cunningham MSP, Members of the Scottish Parliament for the Perth constituency has welcomed the Scottish Government debate held in the Scottish parliament this afternoon (Thursday) on the recently published review of water rescue in Scotland.
Ms Cunningham said;
“ I became closely interested in this issue some time ago following a number of tragic incidents in my constituency including the death of Graham Motion, whose sister Lisa Stuart is watching the debate today.
Signs warn swimmers of river dangers Campaign launched over ‘changeable and treacherous’ Tay
By Mark Dowie Published: 07/07/2009
NEW safety signs warning of the dangers of swimming in the River Tay were unveiled at Perth yesterday. Moncrieffe Island, on the outskirts of the city, is a particular favourite with bathers but the public are now being warned that the river can be changeable and treacherous.
The signs are being erected at sites throughout Perth and Kinross but the first were unveiled yesterday in Perth at Bellwood Park. They were produced by a partnership of the Safe-Tay campaign, Perth and Kinross Council, Tayside Fire and Rescue and Tayside Police. As well as safety warnings, the signs also provide information on what to do in the event of an incident.
Lisa Stuart, of Safe-Tay, said the signs had an important role to play. She added: “Our aim is to erect them in prominent positions to draw the public’s attention to be safe in, near or around waterways.”
The council’s community safety vice-convener, Councillor Elspeth Maclachlan, said: “The river looks calm and inviting on hot summer days, but can be very treacherous.”
Book Yer Ain Fest
FANS of hardcore metal are being urged to pledge their support to the Book Yer Ane Fest II fund-raiser, which takes place in Perth on Saturday.
The Mucky Mulligans noisefest is a benefit for Fair City charity Safe-Tay, which campaigns to prevent tragedies on the River Tay.
A comprehensive review of the emergency services' ability to deal with all forms of water rescue was announced today.
The review, led by Paddy Tomkins QPM, former HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland, will work with a range of stakeholders to report to Ministers with recommendations on whether Scotland's water rescue response may be improved.
Lisa Stuart started the Safe-Tay charity following the death of 20-year-old Graham Motion, who drowned in July 2006.
The lifebelt holders are linked to three CCTV cameras located near the bridge. When one of the holders is opened it will alert the cameras to focus on its location.
Last night Mrs Stuart told The Courier of her backing for the review, which will be undertaken by Paddy Tomkins QPM, former HM Chief Inspect- or of Constabulary for Scotland, on behalf of the Scottish Government.
