Electricity company takes to the water

They say electricity and water do not mix, however in Boston the same cannot be said when it comes to electricity workers and water.
Pictured (from left, back): Stacey Cartwright, Jamie Rushin and Dave Nicholls, (front) Jamie Currie, Stuart Holland, and Kev Hunter. Team members not pictured are Baz Collingwood, Adie Daubney and Shane Oglesbee. Picture: Richard TathamPictured (from left, back): Stacey Cartwright, Jamie Rushin and Dave Nicholls, (front) Jamie Currie, Stuart Holland, and Kev Hunter. Team members not pictured are Baz Collingwood, Adie Daubney and Shane Oglesbee. Picture: Richard Tatham
Pictured (from left, back): Stacey Cartwright, Jamie Rushin and Dave Nicholls, (front) Jamie Currie, Stuart Holland, and Kev Hunter. Team members not pictured are Baz Collingwood, Adie Daubney and Shane Oglesbee. Picture: Richard Tatham

A nine-strong team from Western Power Distribution’s (WPD’s) Boston depot have taken to the wet stuff in a bid to strengthen the electricity distribution company’s emergency response to floods.

All have gained the Rescue 3 Europe standard as both swiftwater rescue technicians and swiftwater and flood rescue boat operators.

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The qualifications mean that in the event of a flood the WPD team can carry out vital tasks including safety inspections and network switching without having to rely on the emergency services.

Jamie Rushin, Jamie Currie and Stuart Holland are pictured demonstrating their rescue techniques. Picture: Richard TathamJamie Rushin, Jamie Currie and Stuart Holland are pictured demonstrating their rescue techniques. Picture: Richard Tatham
Jamie Rushin, Jamie Currie and Stuart Holland are pictured demonstrating their rescue techniques. Picture: Richard Tatham

Boston area planner Stuart Holland said: “The first part of our training involved learning how to read fast-flowing water and techniques to rescue ourselves; this included having to rescue one another from fast-flowing rivers and other turbulent waters.

“The second part of the training was about learning how to handle a boat in both swift moving and still water.”

“To keep our certification we are required to carry out training sessions bi-annually, so residents may see us out and about on local waterways.”

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In addition, WPD has invested in water rescue boats, a rescue sled and a SupaCat amphibious craft, all of which are based in Boston.

The company also has a number of pump tender units (ex-fire engines) stationed around its distribution area.

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