Alarmed Lifebelt

ALARMED LIFEBELTS NOW INSTALLED ALONG THE RIVER TAY

Special alarms have been fitted to two Lifebelt Holders located along the River Tay in Perth. The lifebelt holders have been linked to three CCTV cameras located near the Queen’s Bridge.

When the holders are opened this shall alert the CCTV cameras to move to their pre-set location, (lifebelt holders) and alert Tayside Police Divisional Headquarters control room to either someone in danger in the river or to the misuse of equipment.

This system shall act as an early warning system for the emergency services or it will immediately alert them to somebody vandalising the rescue equipment and face being caught and going to court.

Safe-Tay initially developed the initiative over a six-month period, and subsequently worked in partnership with Perth & Kinross Council, Tayside Police and Tayside Fire and Rescue to take it forward. The charity raised the money to connect the lifesaving equipment to the CCTV network through a series of fundraising events. The throwlines were supplied by the Council.

"This is the first system in the UK to link a Lifebelt holder to CCTV and our hopes are high that by making the public aware that such lifesaving equipment is being protected; this should prevent them from being vanalised.

I also hope that other Local Authorities shall see the benefits of such system and adopt this initiative within areas of concern.

"Now that this equipment is in place, Safe-Tay hopes that lifesaving equipment will be protected from being vandalised and used in emergencies only. In the past we have heard of many incidents of lifebelts being vandalised and the throwlines being found in the river. We hope that such a system will act as a deterrent to those who choose to commit such a mindless and irresponsible act."

"Throwlines may look like a bit of fun, but they are placed at dangerous areas along the river to help save lives and people should think of the consequences before removing or damaging such lifesaving equipment.

Safe-Tay would like to thank Tayside Police, Tayside Fire and Rescue and Perth & Kinross Council for seeing the benefits of developing such a system.

Safe-Tay would also like to thank Foyle Search and Rescue Team based in Londonderry where we first learned of the electronic alarm system and for helping Safe-Tay understand its workings.

Thanks to - Steve Wills - Beach Safety Manager (RNLI), David Walker - Information Manager (RoSPA), Paddy Wilson - Foyles Search and Rescue Team, Glasgow Humane Society/Glasgow's Lifeboat - George Parsonage and Tony, Scott Denyer -Senior Lighting Engineer (PKC).

A special thank to the people of Perth who attended many of our fundraising events to raise money for the alarmed lifebelts and The Guildry Incorporation of Perth who provided financial assistance.^.

Read more on this artical visit BBC News-

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