A new ramp has been made available for Maryport Rescue so its volunteers can access the River Ellen.
The life-saving team needed an easier way into the river during certain tidal conditions, so a gate has been installed by Cumberland Council to enable them to get into the water in case of emergencies.
The ramp is at the side of Maryport Activity Centre. It had been fenced off at some point in the past but has now been opened up by the council’s contractors, Thomas Armstrong Construction.
The improvements to Maryport Activity Centre are part of the £12 million Government funded regeneration of the town.
Gary Hampson, of Maryport Rescue, said: “Our team of volunteers operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, responding to callouts at sea, and in flood and flowing water, and also lost and missing person searches.
“We cover the lakes and inshore waterways too. Our aim is always to be as fast and efficient as possible and access to this ramp makes it quicker and easier to respond in certain conditions – hopefully saving more lives.
“Thank you to Cumberland Council and their contractors for considering us as part of the regeneration projects in Maryport. Teamwork at its best.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Mark Fryer, said: “We are really pleased to be able to factor this water access into our work on the harbourside.
“Maryport Rescue does an amazing job and anything that makes their response to an emergency call quicker and easier can only be a good thing. Thank you to all their volunteers for giving up their time to keep the public safe.”
