A remote-controlled life buoy is being trialled on the River Medway between Rochester and Strood.
The Rochester Bridge Trust is trialling the self-propelled, remote-controlled life buoy as a way of improving response times if a person is in the water.
During a safety incident, the Fasty life buoy is thrown into the water and then operated from dry land using a remote control to direct it to the person in the water. It is shaped so that a person can hold on and then be propelled to land, a pier or boat, for the person to be rescued from the water.
Jim Booth, Director of Bridges at the Trust, said: “Working next to water means we are constantly aware of the importance of keeping our staff and bridge users safe. So far the trials of this remote-controlled life buoy indicate we will be able to quickly and safely rescue a person from the water, and we are pleased with how easy it has been to operate.”
The Fasty life buoy from Angloco can reach a speed of 15km/h, enabling fast recovery from the water without having to wait for the arrival of specialist rescue equipment. The first round of trials by the Trust were attended by Kent Fire and Rescue Service and HM Coastguard.
Jim added: “The first round of testing was positive, and we will be arranging further tests to determine the capability of the life buoy under different conditions. This activity builds on our ongoing efforts to enhance water safety on the River Medway, including previous water training sessions.”
The life buoy is battery powered, meaning it could be charged using 100% renewable energy used by the Trust.
