New service to save river lives

A team of 50 volunteers aim to improve safety on the Lower River Bann

A new rescue service aimed at saving lives has been launched in Coleraine, County Londonderry.

Bann Rescue is a team of 50 volunteers trained in water rescue, as well as search and intervention techniques.

They will work with the PSNI and complement other services, including the RNLI, and Coastguard along the increasingly popular Lower River Bann.

Superintendent Alasdair Robinson said there had been 98 incidents in three years on the river.

"Until now, my officers have often placed their own lives at risk to assist those in distress on the water, and this is a prime example of the regard they have for everyone in the Coleraine Borough," he said.

"Such a high number of river related incidents does however highlight the necessity for a dedicated water borne rescue service."

Police have provided the group with a rescue boat from the Policing With The Community Fund.

Superintendent Robinson added recreational use of the Bann was expected to double.

Sean McCarry from the Bann Rescue said the Community Rescue Service is a charitable organisation established to prevent the loss of life from within the local communities in which its units operate.

"A number of units have been established in Northern Ireland, in areas such as Ballycastle, Kilkeel and Warrenpoint, and now Coleraine," he said.

"Each unit will be able to respond by pager alert 24/7 either independently or as part of a major response."