Rescue service's work remains as "vital" as ever

SARA has 250 volunteers covering seven stations across Gloucestershire.

A search and rescue organisation said the service is as "vital" as ever, as it hosts its annual open day.

The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) first operated out of a shed in Gloucestershire more than 50 years ago and now has multiple stations across the county.

The event on 25 August, which includes rides in a lifeboat, will highlight the ongoing unpredictability of the River Severn.

"Members of the service will tell you the river changes pretty much all the time; often when you think there's a safe bit, it's actually shifted," said David Hill from SARA.

SARA crews carry out regular training for emergency call-outs on the River Severn

SARA, which provides support to the HM Coastguard, police and emergency services, has "grown substantially" since the service first started in 1973, with increasing inshore and flood work.

It now has 250 volunteers in the organisation, covering seven stations across Gloucestershire.

"The Severn has the second largest tidal range in the world so the water comes in extremely fast up the river, so it can be a dangerous place to be," Mr Hill told BBC Gloucestershire.

"There's a lot of mud and sand under the river and it shifts a lot, so the combination often leaves people struggling.

"There are some very experienced sailors at clubs up and down the river, but sometimes they can get into grief as well because things have shifted and the tide just moves on them," he added.

SARA said its service was as vital as ever due to the unpredictability of the River Severn

The open day takes place at SARA's Sharpness Station on 25 August.

Visitors will be able to tour the station and see how the crew respond to an emergency call.