SEVERN Area Rescue Association based at Tewkesbury, Sharpness and Beachley is seeking around 50 new volunteers to join their land rescue team.

The charity is an organisation of highly skilled volunteers who provide inland rescue boat and land search support covering Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and surrounding areas. The expertise is of vital support to ambulance, fire and police services and although the group is made up of volunteers, they provide expert rescue services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

SARA’s land search technicians provide essential support to Gloucestershire police officers when searching for missing, lost and vulnerable people in challenging conditions.

Chief Inspector Mark Ravenscroft, head of planning and resilience for Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “SARA provides invaluable support and skills in helping Gloucestershire Constabulary search for people who may, for a number of reasons find themselves in danger. Their skill, passion and dedication to their role is commendable and serves as an example to us all.

“I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of playing a more active role in their community but not sure what to do to get involved in this unique and extremely rewarding activity.”

If successful, new recruits will be provided with full professional training in a transferable skill. These skills include land-search, rope-rescue training and casualty care. In the longer term they will also have the option of training in flood and boat rescue.

John Dutton, Executive Land Search Manager for SARA said: “The demand for SARA’s expertise, especially in land search, is increasing and to ensure we can provide a sufficient response it is essential we expand the number of members who are operational in this discipline. This is the largest recruitment drive SARA has undertaken since the 2007 floods.

“We are looking for anyone who is fit enough to fulfil the demands of this role, preferably - but not essentially - with outdoor activity experience. Extensive training is given before anyone is made operational and can respond to taskings.

“As taskings can occur at any time, people with different work/family commitments are welcome. Current members include mechanics, builders, the self-employed, paramedics, IT consultants and lecturers.”

Anyone interested in volunteering and looking to do something different can attend one of the following meetings:

July 13 2015 – Gloucester North Community Fire Station

July 15 2015 – Cheltenham West Community Fire Station

July 17 2015 – Dursley Community Fire Station

July 20 2015 – Coleford Community Fire Station

Interviews will be carried out between August 24 and September 2.