Lancaster District Search and Rescue team invited Beyond Radio to attend the launch of their 2021 Operation Bankside campaign.
During summer 2020 on particularly warm days the banks of the River Lune between Crook o’ Lune and Skerton Weir were reported to have around 5,000 people present. The purpose of Operation Bankside is to provide water safety advice, medical support and rescue intervention alongside the local emergency services including Lancashire Fire & Rescue and Lancashire Police.
Nathan from LASAR said 'Our team will be on hand this summer to provide water safety advice to the public. We are not there to stop people having fun or enjoying the beauty spots around the Lune area. As an accredited Surf life Saving GB rescue team however, it is our responsibility to do what we can to ensure people can enjoy these areas as safely as possible in the summer months'.

In 2020 LASAR recorded nine critical interventions, responded to two major first aid incidents and carried out 228 preventative actions during weekend patrols. For 2021 the operation has been ramped up to cover more of the summer season with regular patrols and more volunteers on the ground thanks to a recent recruitment drive.

Paul Shoreman of Lancashire County Council explained that the Council ensure that the LASAR team have the right access to the water side, he said 'This specialist team help Lancashire County Council with safety on the water. LASAR help with education to reduce inappropriate use of the water which can lead to serious incidents. The council provide riverbank safety signage and water rescue equipment and collaborate with LASAR for recommendations on where to site it'.
Sgt Edmons of Lancashire Police said 'Operation Bankside has the full support of Lancashire Police. We are very lucky to have this team on our patch. They bring a wealth of expert knowledge, the right equipment and dedicated volunteer personnel to the area'.
Operation Bankside Patrols will take place alongside the riverbank via foot patrol and cycle teams, as well as two boat teams which will be situated in the Lune between LASAR'S two command points at Denny Beck, and Crook o’ Lune.
You can find out more about LASAR by visiting their website: https://www.lasar.org.uk/



Deadline day to have your say on plans to scrap Lancaster City Council
New town warden to help tackle littering and anti-social behaviour in Morecambe
"So proud": Lancaster children's home receives 15th 'Outstanding' Ofsted grade
Suspected fire at Heysham commercial property discovered to be faulty light fitting
Morecambe FC issues statement after winding up petition filed against club
New centre for people with disabilities opens in Morecambe
Lancaster city centre food charity closed after partial collapse of wall
High street coffee shop set to open in former Burger King in Lancaster
Council issues warning after fake QR codes found on carpark pay machines
Brief Encounter clock returns to Carnforth station after six years
Three Morecambe and Lunesdale schools to benefit from nursery places cash boost
New look for Morecambe music venue approved
Plans for 250 homes at former Carnforth quarry site thrown out by planners
Lancaster police to hold free bike marking event
Local priorities discussed on Police and Crime Commissioner’s visit to Morecambe
Paralympic hero unveils life‑changing rehab bike at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Police warning after anti-social behaviour reports at Lancaster Castle and Priory
Friend's heartbreaking appeal for help with woman's dying wish to return home
Morecambe bar unveils striking new look
Discount shop in Lancaster shuts down

