THE Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA)’s annual duck race was held on Saturday 21st July.

Always on a summer Saturday, the date is dependent on the tide. SARA had set up a small display next to the river, and were selling Duck Tickets, whilst The Boat Inn had a barbecue, with a donation going to SARA.

This year the events kicked off with a simulated rescue on the Chepstow cliffs, where a casualty had become stuck in the Gloucester Hole, next to the flag. SARA’s Cliff Rescue Team assembled at the top of the cliff, and lowered down a qualified Casualty Carer along with a stretcher. Once the casualty (SARA’s rescue dummy) was secure on the stretcher, they were then raised up the cliff, where an ‘exercise ambulance’ was waiting, at least in theory!

Then it was time for the lifeboats. All three of SARA’s lifeboats from Beachley and Newport were on display, including some spectacular views of dramatic high speed manoeuvres by SARA 1 Lifeboat ‘The Jim Hewitt’, and they each demonstrated how they could rescue a casualty from the water. At 1pm sharp, the 1,000 plastic ducks were dropped from the A48 bridge, onto the incoming tide, and they drifted rapidly upstream to the finish line at the Old Bridge.  Once past the bridge they were all collected by the SARA lifeboats. First prize this year was an experience ride in SARA 1, second prize was a SARA abseil experience, with third prize a SARA umbrella and a tour of the lifeboat station. The winning duck was Duck Number 431, second duck was 199 and the third duck was 413.  

SARA Fundraising Manager Richard Newhouse said: “This is great opportunity for the people of Chepstow to see their local rescue service in action. We are grateful that so many people could come and show their support. The event raised around £1300 of essential funds to maintain our operational services round the clock”.  

The Beachley lifeboats were launched operationally both Friday morning and Sunday afternoon, called out by the Coastguard to support police operations on the Severn Bridge.

Photos courtesy of Brenda Avery