GWENT Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Jeff Cuthbert joined members of the Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) as they took to the waters of the River Usk recently in search of a more suitable launch site.

Currently, in order to deploy, SARA must travel nearly seven miles from its land base at Malpas Fire Station to the launch site at Uskmouth power station, taking about 20 minutes.

“SARA is an exceptional organisation whose volunteers give their time and dedication to keep the waters on and around the Severn safe,.” said Mr Cuthbert. “I will do everything in my power to support its members in identifying a suitable new location so that they can continue to save lives.”

SARA is a multi-disciplinary volunteer search and rescue organisation covering an area of more than 20,000 sq km on and around the Severn, being called primarily via HM Coastguard, Fire and Rescue Services, the Police or Ambulance.

Press officer Mike Duggan said: “The support for a dedicated launch site closer to the city centre is growing and will allow us to respond quicker, when every second counts, to save lives.“

If you would like more information on SARA, or are interested in becoming a volunteer, visit www.sara-rescue.org.uk