RIVER rescuers have been boosted by the donation of a kayak to be used at their Arley base.

The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) was given the boat by Countrywide Farmers, to help with its life-saving service on the River Severn.

The firm, which supplies product and advice to the rural community, has also provided a kayak for SARA’s Tewkesbury station.

As well as going into active service on the Severn, the kayaks will be used to help train volunteers in vital rescue and survival skills.

Mark Lucas, a member of SARA, said: “Just like the RNLI lifeboat rescue service, the SARA team can be called upon at anytime - day or night - to take part in rescue operations.”

“The Severn Estuary has the second largest tidal range in the world and the services of SARA are a lifeline to those who underestimate the power of the river and the dangers involved.

“The kayaks will be used as support boats in search and rescue operations on the upper reaches of the river. Instead of having to risk our lives swimming across the river to find an anchor point, we will now be able to use the kayak to get from one bank to the other.

“Every minute counts in a river rescue scenario, so this could make the difference to someone’s life.

“Many thanks to Countrywide for their continuing support. At the end of the day, key equipment like this is critical in supporting our rescue service to help save lives.”

He explained the need for SARA’s work had increased, with more callouts each year, typically to assist boats or people in difficulty in the Severn.

SARA’s work involves searching for missing people, animal rescue and flood relief assistance.

Shaun Cooper, sales development manager at Countrywide, said: “The River Severn runs right through the heart of our area and, as a major business in the area, we are delighted to be able to support this very worthwhile charity.”

The SARA team is called out by the police, fire and ambulance services to respond to emergency situations in the Severn area.