A new partnership between West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and the Coastguard is set to boost operational efficiency in Selsey.
A new partnership between West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and the Coastguard is set to boost operational efficiency in Selsey.
Under the agreement, the fire service will provide compressed air cylinders from Selsey Fire Station, allowing Coastguard crews to top up their supplies locally rather than transporting them elsewhere for refills.
In return, the Coastguard will support the fire service with specialist water rescue gear during joint operations—strengthening both teams’ capabilities in critical situations.
WSFRS Station Manager Mick Dunham is the service’s water rescue subject matter advisor, and has led the joint project to improve operational alignment. He said: “We work very closely with all of our emergency service partners, but following an emergency incident where we worked closely with HM Coastguard we identified areas where we could improve and support our colleagues at HM Coastguard through our Operational Assurance debrief process.
“Introducing this agreement between WSFRS and HM Coastguard will offer significant operational efficiencies for HM Coastguard and improve their, and our, operational capability.
“Minimising the amount of time it takes for them to recharge their cylinders will ensure they retain operational availability to respond in the event of an emergency when the public need them most.
“His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire and Rescue Services encourages further exploration of collaboration with emergency service partners, while our own Community Risk Management Plan strategic objectives also highlight the importance of a collaborative approach with our partners to help keep residents safe in the event of an emergency situation. We hope this will go some way towards improving the services that we are both able to provide in the event of an emergency.”
On Tuesday evening members of HM Coastguard attended Selsey Fire Station for a familiarisation session to discuss how the new agreement would operate.
Mike Kerley, Senior Coastal Operations Officer with HM Coastguard, said: "This is a great example of fellow emergency services working together to further enhance both our responses, making them sharp and effective for the public.
“This could benefit anyone who gets into difficulty by the shore. If you see an emergency by the coast, call 999 and ask for Coastguard.”
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