Life-saving rings could be moved to be more accessible along Aberdeen’s two rivers during flooding, it has been revealed.
The city council has confirmed locations of lifebelts on the banks of the Dee and the Don will be up for discussion as part of a water safety review underway.
With heavy rain over the weekend, several rescue devices in Riverside Drive were made inaccessible by flood water.
It led to community concerns the vital equipment would not be on hand if anyone was in trouble in the water.
Aberdeen Central MSP, Kevin Stewart, put his worries to the local authority highlighting the kit was often inaccessible like it was at the weekend, while the potential for its need would be greater.
Council chief operating officer, Rob Polkinghorne, has now confirmed a review of water safety will include the positions of the equipment.
Mr Stewart told The P&J: “Lifebelts need to be placed where they can be accessed safely when they are needed.
“What we saw at the weekend is several lifebelts being completely inaccessible and that could have had disastrous consequences if they had been needed.
“I’m pleased that the council has quickly agreed to review this and I hope this will help make Aberdeen a safer place.”
In reply to the concerns of the SNP MSP, Mr Polkinghorne, said: “We are currently in the process of establishing and agreeing a water safety policy for Aberdeen and that this will include a review of our lifebelts etc along the rivers.”
News of the review was welcomed by the Aberdeen Water Safety Group too.
The organisation was set up after the tragic death of a mother and son at the city’s beachfront in 2016.
Chairman Graham Dutton said: “With the way things change with erosion on the river and excessive flooding, these things need to be looked at.
“Sepa has produced data to show where flooding bursts the banks so it’s a great move by the council to see where they could put a second set of life-rings or moving the originals would work.
“But it is right this is a proper review as the last thing you’d want is for the equipment to be too far back when needed.
“Sometimes lifebelts along the Don was sort of lost in the tall grass, so we welcome anything that makes it easier for the public to get to the equipment and for it to stand out.”
