Southampton City Council unveils new life-saving equipment at Riverside Park

Visitors to Riverside Park in Southampton will now have access to new life-saving equipment that could save someone from drowning. As part of its commitment to creating a safer Southampton, Southampton City Council has funded the installation of 14 Water Rescue Cabinets along the waterside path.

Each cabinet contains a throw line that can be directed at a person who is at risk of drowning. The cabinet can only be opened by typing in a combination number. This number can be accessed by phoning 999 and repeating the three words that are printed on the cabinet.

The emergency responder will then give the caller the combination to access the throwlines. This action doesn’t just protect this life-saving equipment from being vandalised, it ensures that the emergency services are dispatched immediately. With a flashing light at the top of the cabinet, it is easy to locate this key information, especially after dark.

Once the cabinet is opened to retrieve the throw line, the light remains on, which helps light the way for the emergency services should the incident occur when it is dark.

Riverside Park is a 32-hectare site located along the River Itchen and is one of Southampton’s 11 Green Flag awarded parks. It includes six football pitches, two cricket pitches, a tennis court, skate park and three play areas.

Recognised internationally as an important habitat for wildlife such as salmon, water voles, kingfishers, dragonflies and otters. The non-tidal section of the river supports a variety of freshwater fish, including dace, roach and the migratory salmon and sea trout.

Councillor John Savage, Cabinet Member for Environment & Net Zero at Southampton City Council, said: “Residents and visitors alike love Riverside Park, so we want to ensure that if someone does get into difficulties when they’re in the water that passers can assist them while they wait for an ambulance to arrive. Southampton City Council is pleased to be able to fund this life-saving equipment as this will help to reduce the risk of bathers and swimmers coming to harm.”

Station Manager Pete McClemont, from Hampshire & IOW Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We are fortunate to live in an area with a large coastline and many other waterways, but it’s important that whilst enjoying these spaces, we do so safely. “Riverside Park is one of our most popular waterside spots, so it is brilliant to see these lifesaving tools installed here.

“With this emergency kit kept safe, it will ensure that it is in working condition ready for whenever rescuers need to help an individual in danger in the water, prior to the arrival of the emergency services.”