Lifeboats crews from the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) were seen en masse in the centre of Newport yesterday but thankfully they were only out on the Usk to conduct training exercises and to meet the public.
Search and rescue vehicles were on display outside the Riverfront in the centre of the city and emergency service enthusiasts young and old were on the scene to grab a piece of the action.
Visitors could learn more about SARA at an informative talk given in the auditorium at the Riverfront before the action really kicked off with some live demonstrations of rescue operations out on the river.
Richard Newhouse, one of the SARA volunteers, spoke of the important of holding community outreach events.
He said: “We serve the people of Newport, but we also depend on the people of Newport.
“Hopefully it’s interesting for people to be able to see their local rescue service. Also, we depend on people donating and local people helping.
“We’re always looking for more volunteers and this is a great way to do that.”
Yesterday’s event was the first of its kind in the city. Mr Newhouse explained that Newport is a growing station for SARA.
“In the past we’ve covered Newport and the Usk from Chepstow,” he said.
“We’re still working closely with the station at Beachley.
“It’s important to let people see where the money is going, both their donations and the money from local government.”
One possible lifeboat crew member of the future was three-year-old Chloe Attridge who loves emergency vehicles and is a massive Fireman Sam fan.
Her dad James spoke of his admiration for the crews, saying: “I’m very impressed with everything that they do.
“I’ve got loads of respect for them.”
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