Severn Area Rescue Association - Upton

26/05/2026

Let’s Talk About Water Safety

It might feel like the perfect idea to cool off with a swim in a river, lake, or quarry during hot weather, but open water can be far more dangerous than it looks — especially without lifeguards or proper safety measures in place.
Here are some key hazards to be aware of:

🚩The water is often much colder than expected, which can trigger cold water shock or lead to hypothermia.
🚩Strong and unpredictable currents can quickly pull you away from shore, even if you're a strong swimmer.
🚩Steep, slippery banks make it very difficult to climb out once you're in.
🚩Water depth can be hard to judge, with sudden drops.
🚩Hidden dangers underwater, such as rocks, branches, old machinery, or drains.

If you see someone struggling in the water, call 999 immediately and give clear details about your location.

If there is any nearby life saving equipment use it

Encourage the person to float on their back and reassure them help is on the way

Stay nearby if it’s safe to do so, so you can guide emergency services.

Never go into the water yourself to rescue a person or animal — always call for professional help right away.

Please share this message with your family and friends while the heatwave continues. Stay safe!

22/05/2026

Two of our Upton crew, Andy C and Tim getting experience in using a Bathyscope at Severn Area Rescue Association - Sharpness Lifeboat Station. Thanks to donations from the generous customers at Warner's Supermarkets we now have a Bathyscope added to our equipment at Upton. It can be used as seen here from a quayside or a float as well as from a boat or when wading in deep water.

22/05/2026

Hot weather can be more dangerous than many people realise.

Every year, extreme heat leads to serious illness and preventable deaths. Here's some simple advice to keep you safe:

💧 Drink plenty of water
🧢 Avoid the midday sun
🏠 Keep your home cool
👵 Check in on vulnerable friends, family, and neighbours
❌ DO NOT swim in open water without a life-guard present.
🥵 Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke too - it could save a life.

Here some more practical warm weather safety advice from the NHS 👉 https://ow.ly/effb50Z27Xq

21/05/2026

We have just taken delivery of a bathyscope a device to help us see underwater during searches. This was funded by the proceeds from collection tins at Warner's Supermarkets. So a huge thank you to Warners and all their generous customers.

11/05/2026

Mayor Cllr Jeremy Owenson Mayors Charity Fund has donated £600 to SARA who continue to do excellent work for residents locally. Thanks for watching out for us SARA!

09/05/2026

Another great training exercise with our colleagues at Severn Area Rescue Association - Sharpness Lifeboat Station

07/05/2026

Today, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our wider search & rescue family at Marine Rescue New South Wales, following the tragic loss of two of their lifeboat crew during a rescue call overnight.

Reports confirm that a volunteer crew launched to assist a yacht in distress off Ballina, navigating what have been described as treacherous coastal bar conditions. During the response, their vessel capsized in heavy seas, resulting in the loss of two rescue volunteers alongside the casualty they were attempting to save. Four further crew members survived, many with injuries.

This is a stark and sobering reminder of the reality behind what we all do.

Like us at SARA, Marine Rescue NSW is built on volunteers. Individuals who leave their homes, families and safety behind without hesitation when the pager goes. Whether it’s the Severn Estuary or the New South Wales coastline, the fundamentals are the same: unpredictable water, rapidly changing conditions, and the constant balance between risk and rescue.

Every launch carries that risk.

Every callout asks ordinary people to step into extraordinary circumstances.

And sometimes but thankfully not often, despite training, experience, and teamwork, the environment wins.

From all of us at SARA, we send our deepest condolences to the families, friends and fellow crew members affected by this devastating loss. We also stand with the wider rescue community in recognising the courage, professionalism and selflessness shown by those involved.

Fair winds and following seas.

26/04/2026

26/04/2026

A good morning's training with colleagues from SARA Sharpess, now comes clean up time😬

26/04/2026

This week two of our Upton crew passed their annual fitness and swim test. Well done Adam and Ben.