Watch: Lord Mayor demonstrates new Riverside throw ropes
Public also try their hand on Bank Holiday Monday
The Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr James Baillie (right, in the video above), took part in a demonstration of the new throw ropes at Riverside Park on Monday (April 6).
It was part of his tour of the River Itchen in his role as Admiral of the Port.
Park users listened to a brief introduction to the throw rope cabinets by Steve Collins, Southampton Marine Volunteer Service head of unit (left in the above video).
The Lord Mayor then simulated an emergency, calling the coastguard, obtaining the combination code for the cabinet, taking out the throw rope and throwing it into the river.
“In Southampton we are fortunate to have so many blue spaces,” he said. “And water safety is incredibly important, so we’re here to have a throw rope demonstration, and also to raise awareness… and also to say thank you to the Southampton Water Safety Forum for pushing for these to be installed. “
Members of the public also tried their hand and throwing the rescue ropes into the Itchen.
Steve Collins said part of the inspiration for the cabinets came from his experience on the Thames in Kingston.
“We’re delighted to have them here,” he said.
He added the day was all about practising using the ropes, and it was hoped more demo sessions can be held in future.
You can listen to Steve speaking about how the cabinets came to be installed at Riverside Park in the following audio clip.
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