The annual campaign to keep people safe on Lancaster’s waterways is underway.
Operation Bankside is a partnership with LASAR, Lancaster Area Search and Rescue, Lancashire Police and Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, jointly working to spread the water safety message in the Lancaster and Morecambe area.
The campaign sees water safety patrols operating along the River Lune between now and September, particularly during the summer months on days when high volumes of visitors are expected.
Launched in Spring 2020, Operation Bankside aim is primarily drowning prevention, in turn, easing pressures on already stretched, local emergency services.
On busy days in the height of summer, the areas between Crook o’ Lune, Denny Beck and Skerton Weir can attract as many as 5,000 visitors to the river bank at any one time. The role of LASAR to ensure that all of those visitors go home safely at the end of the day.
Since 2020, the initiative has seen more than 50 lifesaving interventions, and safety advice given to hundreds of others.
A spokesperson said: ‘’Ultimately Operation Bankside does not aim to stop people having fun, or to stop them enjoying the water. Our Rescue Team are on hand and available to issue water safety advice, to encourage the public to think about the dangers of the water and of course, should an incident arise, to provide the rescue service that we train for.
‘’On each Operation Bankside patrol, LASAR have a presence at all of the hotspots on the river between Crook o’ Lune and Skerton. Our Rescue Technicians are available to provide advice and assistance and carry basic rescue equipment, First Aid kits and communications equipment to allow them to request extra resources as required.
‘’In addition to this, we often have our Inshore Rescue Boats patrolling the river and Cycle Patrols covering the cycle track alongside the left river bank. By having a presence, providing safety advice and intervention as a last resort, we’re able to ensure river users remain safe and get to enjoy the beautiful countryside that surrounds our river banks.’’
You can find out more about the campaign and dates of the operation here
Iconic former Morecambe hotel and nightclub set to go under the hammer
Record-breaking funding expected for Morecambe events and festivals
Police release video clip as search for missing Lancaster University student continues
TV star Brian Cox pays a visit to Lancaster’s Police Museum
Morecambe Football Club confirm details of Fans’ Forum
Multiple people treated after carbon monoxide leak at Morecambe address
Heysham Power Stations alarm tests planned for Christmas Day and New Year's Day
LISTEN: St John's Hospice in Lancaster set for 40th anniversary year
Second earthquake in a month shakes Lancaster and Morecambe Bay
LISTEN: Lancaster Samaritans are there for you at Christmas
WATCH and LISTEN: Lancaster band's new music video for song written by Morecambe schoolchildren
Safer Pod launched to make Lancaster safer during ‘Winter of Action’
Police make two arrests after pedestrian critically injured in Morecambe hit and run
D-Day war hero, 101, to receive Freedom of City of Lancaster
LISTEN: Beyond Radio helps Santa deliver presents from annual Christmas Toy Appeal
Modern day mixtape to help fund reopening of Lancaster music facility
Police investigate Lancaster hate crime graffiti attacks
Lancaster man jailed again days after being released from prison
Royal Lancaster Infirmary ward reopens to visitors following norovirus outbreak
Future of Lancaster day care facility left unclear after council announcement
