WEST Midlands Fire Service people are examining new safety procedures for water rescues for fire crews following the death of two teenagers at Smethwick Locks on the Wolverhampton Level of the BCN.
Regular readers will be aware that a 18 years old, Fayz Uddin, attempted to jump the top lock (pictured) of Smethwick Locks on the Wolverhampton Level, but fell short and drowned, as Alan Tilbury revealed.
Double drowning
But it was a double drowning as the teenager's girl friend, Sara Rylance, then jumped in to attempt to rescue him, but also lost her life.
The review by West Midlands Fire Service includes an increase in the number of crews initially attending the scene, using thermal imaging equipment and giving 'appropriate instruction' for crews rescuing people from the waterways and particularly canal locks.
Information given by the officers that attended the rescue attempt was used to bring in new methods to help during rescue attempts.
Three appliances
In future three appliances and a water rescue team will now be sent to incidents where two people need rescuing from the waterway, and crews will consider using a thermal imaging camera to locate missing people, especially at locations with poor lighting and visibility.
Black Country coroner Robin Balmain recorded a verdict of accidental death on Sara and Fayz last month, stating the emergency services at the scene had done all they could to help rescue the pair.