Emma McClarkin MEP visits UK’s only underwater rescue service

East Midlands Conservative MEP, Emma McClarkin, last week visited Long Eaton to see SARbot UK, a water rescue charity and the UK’s only underwater rescue service.

The primary water rescue services, the fire service and RNLI are only trained and equipped to rescue individuals from the water surface and neither have any statutory responsibility to do so. SARbot UK are the only organisation who can effectively rescue casualties who are underwater without placing the rescuer at risk.

Miss McClarkin met with SARbot to discuss possible EU funding for them to further develop their scheme. They will soon be taking part in a European funded programme sharing their technology with the Dutch, who have lost several divers in the past few years while attempting rescues.

Miss McClarkin said:

“Meeting SARbot and finding out about the service they operate and the technology they use has been a real eye opener. I was amazed to learn that patients can recover even after 90 minutes of being underwater.

“SARbot UK have also been using their experience and expertise to help with the recent efforts to find the Welsh schoolgirl, April Jones.

“The service they provide is key not only for search but also rescue operations and I would encourage everyone to support this new charity in ensuring its work and service continues.”