Employees at Aspire Technology Solutions have received life-saving waterside responder training delivered by the RNLI and the Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
Employing more than 240 people, Aspire is one of the fastest growing IT managed service and cyber security providers in the UK. The company is headquartered at the Pipewell Quay office development, located next to the River Tyne.
Aspire employees have recently taken part in life saving training as part of the RNLI’s Waterside Responder Scheme. The scheme is being rolled out to waterside businesses across the North East, with the support of the Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
Omar Khaliq, compliance offer at Aspire said: “Being situated directly next the River Tyne, it’s important to us that our people receive this vital training. The aim of the training is to raise awareness of drowning prevention and to give practical guidance on how to safely rescue somebody. I’d like to thank the Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the RNLI, the training was incredibly worthwhile”.
A companywide safety briefing was delivered for all employees at Aspire. This was followed up with practical training sessions on the River Tyne, giving advice on how to prevent drowning.
Following the training, Aspire employees are now equipped and trained in how to use a throw bag. They were also gifted a life-saving throw bag from the RNLI.
Elliot Rogers, water safety coordinator at RNLI said: “If somebody finds themselves in the water, the speed of assistance that is offered is critical in the race to save them. Giving employees at waterside establishments the vital skills to help somebody in the water will increase their chances of survival. Thank you to Aspire employees for taking part. It can quite literally mean the difference between life and death”.
Tommy Richardson, firefighter at Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service commented: “Every year in the UK around 400 people drown in the seas and inland waters of the UK. The RNLI and the Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service are seeking to change that.
“RNLI research shows that half the people who drown in the UK around waterside areas didn’t intend to enter the water. We are delivering essential training to local businesses across the region. Training includes how to respond in emergency and how to use a throw bag and life ring.
“We are encouraging any local riverside businesses that are interested in the life-saving training to please get in touch”.
The scheme was originally trialled in the Tyne and Wear area in 2018. Since that time, five potential drowning victims have been rescued as a result of the training delivered by firefighters and the RNLI.
Any waterside businesses interested in the life-saving training should contact Tyne & Wear Fire and Rescue Service: corporate.communications@twfire.gov.uk