Jet skis could save lives on the Severn

The Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is considering whether to buy the sleek 'personal water craft' as part of its year-long study into how best to deal with casualties in water.

The jet skis, which cost about £7,000 each, can manoeuvre between debris, over fast-moving water and under over-hanging trees better than boats and avoid the need to haul casualties over high sides.

It's just one piece of equipment being considered by the Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, which has been asked to draw up guidelines for the whole country about how to deal with floods.

Demonstrations of river rescues on the Severn yesterday marked the signing of an agreement between the fire service, West Mercia Police and Worcestershire NHS Trust, meaning that they will work together and share skills.

The two counties' chief fire officer, Paul Hayden, said the floods following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans had brought the subject of water rescues, especially in flooded areas, into the public eye.

He said: "Since Katrina, the subject has become a lot sexier and been brought to the fore but we in Worcester have always understood the importance of preparing for rescues in times of flood.

"Hereford and Worcester is taking the lead nationally and the answers we come up with will help produce a framework for rescues in major floods across the country."

Representatives from the Hereford and Worcester service have met counterparts in the US to discuss the best ways to prepare for and respond to floods.

North Carolina fire battalion chief Tim Rogers said: "High volume pumps, which are used here in Worcestershire, would have been beneficial in New Orleans.

"We have picked up a lot of ideas by working together. Chiefs from Worcestershire have also come to North Carolina to look at the way we do things."

The Hereford and Worcester service has been at the forefront of water rescue since the major floods of 2000.