Emergency services will stage a large-scale water rescue training exercise along the River Erewash later this month.
Crews from Stapleford, Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Stockhill and Eastwood fire stations will take part in the operation on Monday 23 March between 10am and 5pm. They will be joined by Nottinghamshire Police, the RNLI and a specialist photographer as part of what organisers describe as the largest water rescue exercise held on the river to date.
The training will take place in and along the river between Moorbridge Lane and Station Road in Sandiacre, where firefighters will practise entering the water and working along the riverbanks as part of joint emergency response drills.
Before the exercise begins, crews will pause to remember Josh Boothman, who tragically drowned in the area. Firefighters said he and his family remain firmly in their thoughts.
Members of the public may see firefighters working in the water during the day, but organisers stress there is no cause for concern as the activity forms part of a planned training exercise.
People passing through the area are being advised to take extra care, as the riverbanks can be slippery and the water is currently high, fast-flowing and unpredictable. Fire crews taking part will be wearing specialist equipment and are trained to operate safely in these conditions.
A police drone will also be used during the exercise to support the training. Authorities have asked members of the public not to fly their own drones over the site to avoid disrupting the operation.
Kevin Tedds, who leads the exercises, said the training was an important part of improving emergency responses on the water.
“We’ve seen tragedy across our waters, and Josh Boothman and Owen Jenkins are never far from our thoughts,” he said.
“These exercises help us work together to respond better in emergencies and show the public our commitment to keeping people safe.
“We’re not against having fun; our team love the water, from paddleboarding to open-water swimming. But we always do it safely.”
Organisers say the exercise forms part of ongoing work to reduce accidental drownings and improve safety across local waterways.
