Dolgarrog rescue team central to new floods response organisation

Dec 4 2008 By Samantha Castle

A LIFESAVING rescue team from the Conwy Valley is leading the way in the formation of a nationwide water safety body.

The Global Rescue Services Water Incident Team (GRWIT) based in Dolgarrog was one of the founder members of the innovative Inland Flood Rescue Association (IFRA), and team leader Robin Murray has been voted in as its chairman.

Keen kayaker Robin is an outdoor instructor and also a retained firefighter with the North Wales Fire Service and a member of the North Wales Cave Rescue Team.

"Last weekend water rescue teams from all over the country came together to discuss the formation of a national body to coordinate flood rescue by voluntary teams," said Robin.

"This is a huge step forward for us and a groundbreaking achievement in water rescue. I will be seeking funding to develop and train more volunteer water rescue teams."

Robin added: "IFRA will coordinate a huge resource in water rescue that is not currently being made the most of.

"Voluntary teams have a wealth of experience and in some cases are actually the guys who train the fire services. Global Rescue Services can work alone or support the fire service at flooding and in-shore water rescue incidents. We have several boats, a lot of equipment and some very experienced technicians.

"I hope we will be able to adopt some of the working procedures that have been developed at GRWIT as guidelines for IFRA teams," he added.

IFRA now represents the largest in- shore water rescue capability after the RNLI and is seeking representation at a national level to further the interests of voluntary teams.