Article written by Seymour Haugh for Kelso Life magazine with an update on our new Base, a joint training event with the Border Water Rescue Team, fundraising activities, equipment inspection and a callout in East Lothian.
Thanks to a grant the team has sought quotes for completion of groundwork at the rear of the base.
Photo B Tyson
The BSARU was formed in 1963 and the Borders Water Search Team (BWRT) in 1997. Since then both teams have held an annual combined training day until Covid interrupted. On the last Sunday in April the teams once again resumed joint training at Rutherford Boathouse, on the Teviot. The teams split into two with an upriver and a down river scenario, the groups reversing the scenarios in the afternoon. BSARU team members searched both banks of the Teviot, and BWRT team members took to the water to search after having transported a few of the land-based team members to the far side of the river. Both scenarios encompassed an island, and it was there that the casualties were located. Once the missing person had been assessed and treated evacuation of the casualty across the river was undertaken by the BWRT.
During the lunch break BSARU team members had the opportunity to practice using throw lines to BWRT members floating down the faster flowing section of the river.
Some of the team provided cover for the Coldingham Trail Run and for the North Berwick Triathlon.
The six monthly Personal Protective Equipment Inspection was carried out at the beginning of May.
The team recently searched Binnie Wood near North Berwick for a missing person. One or two later discovered the odd tick had latched on to them. Common between March and October, the sheep or deer tick does not fly or jump but climbs on to animals or humans as they brush past.
Write To: BSARU Secretary, Langskail, Broadgait, Gullane, EH31 2DH