Southampton City Council unveils new life-saving tools at Riverside Park

Visitors to Riverside Park in Southampton will now have entry to new life-saving tools that might save somebody from drowning. As a part of its dedication to making a safer Southampton, Southampton City Council has funded the set up of 14 Water Rescue Cabinets alongside the waterside path.

22/09/2025

Each cupboard accommodates a throw line that may be directed at an individual who’s susceptible to drowning. The cupboard can solely be opened by typing in a mix quantity. This quantity may be accessed by phoning 999 and repeating the three phrases which might be printed on the cupboard.

The emergency responder will then give the caller the mix to entry the throwlines. This motion doesn’t simply shield this life-saving tools from being vandalised, it ensures that the emergency providers are dispatched instantly. With a flashing gentle on the high of the cupboard, it’s straightforward to find this key info, particularly after darkish.

Once the cupboard is opened to retrieve the throw line, the sunshine stays on, which helps gentle the way in which for the emergency providers ought to the incident happen when it’s darkish.

Riverside Park is a 32-hectare website situated alongside the River Itchen and is considered one of Southampton’s 11 Green Flag awarded parks. It consists of six soccer pitches, two cricket pitches, a tennis court docket, skate park and three play areas.

Recognised internationally as an essential habitat for wildlife reminiscent of salmon, water voles, kingfishers, dragonflies and otters. The non-tidal part of the river helps quite a lot of freshwater fish, together with dace, roach and the migratory salmon and sea trout.

Councillor John Savage, Cabinet Member for Environment & Net Zero at Southampton City Council, stated: “Residents and visitors alike love Riverside Park, so we want to ensure that if someone does get into difficulties when they’re in the water that passers can assist them while they wait for an ambulance to arrive. Southampton City Council is pleased to be able to fund this life-saving equipment as this will help to reduce the risk of bathers and swimmers coming to harm.”

Station Manager Pete McClemont, from Hampshire & IOW Fire and Rescue Service, stated: “We are lucky to stay in an space with a big shoreline and plenty of different waterways, however it’s essential that while having fun with these areas, we accomplish that safely. “Riverside Park is considered one of our hottest waterside spots, so it’s sensible to see these lifesaving instruments put in right here.

“With this emergency kit kept safe, it will ensure that it is in working condition ready for whenever rescuers need to help an individual in danger in the water, prior to the arrival of the emergency services.”