RLSS UK and GoodSAM launch game-changing registry

The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and GoodSAM have partnered to launch a new register for water rescue equipment.

The register officially launched at the World Conference on Drowning Prevention 2023, which took place in Perth, Western Australia, from 4-7 December 2023.

The Water Rescue Equipment Register has been incorporated into the GoodSAM app. The public can now plot Public Rescue Equipment (PRE), including Perry Buoys, rescue poles and throw lines along the rivers, canals, coasts and waterways anywhere in the world.

Once the equipment has been registered and verified, a map gets populated with the details of the precise location, type of equipment and any unique or distinguishing details. It is then used by the emergency services or first responders in the case of an emergency incident, reducing precious time wasted locating lifesaving rescue equipment and providing a higher chance of a successful outcome to the rescue.

The RLSS UK’s role will be instrumental in providing instructions on how to use the equipment, liaising with landowners and local authorities if water rescue equipment is missing or damaged, promoting the app and encouraging RLSS UK members, volunteers, supporters and candidates to help populate the map.

GoodSAM was launched in 2013 to radically change the response to cardiac arrest. It is an app-based system that alerts registered individuals trained in lifesaving skills to the occurrences of incidents in their locality so that they can attend while an ambulance is en route. Now, the application is helping to plot more lifesaving equipment, including bleed kits, fire equipment and water rescue equipment.

Nick Grazier, senior head of commercial projects & partnerships at RLSS UK, said: “This map is a game-changer for open water rescue; not only does it support the emergency services and GoodSAM responders to assist in the case of an emergency, but with the opportunity for app users to report damaged or broken water rescue equipment, we can work with landowners and local authorities to ensure that the equipment is fit for purpose and rescue-ready.”

• For more information about GoodSAM or to register as a GoodSAM responder, or for free water safety advice, see below.
  
  GoodSAM
  
  Water Safety Advice