While on duty last Thursday afternoon (6 May) as a Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), little did Christopher Missen know that the swift-water rescue training that he receives as a volunteer member of the RNLI’s national Flood Rescue Team, would help him to arrest a man wanted for questioning by South Wales Police.
Christopher, who is also a volunteer crew member at Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat Station, was on duty in the Ely area in Cardiff when he spotted a local man that was wanted for questioning by South Wales Police.
A short chase led the men to the River Ely where the PCSO was pushed into the river. But Christopher was already familiar with the fast flowing water of the Ely due to his participation in the RNLI Swift Water Rescue Technician training in the river the previous month. He quickly remembered his training and got himself to safety.
The local man lost his footing and also found himself in the water. Christopher heard the cries for help and realised that the man could not swim. The RNLI volunteer quickly dived into the river and by using specialist swift-water rescue techniques, brought him safely to land. After his rescue the man was arrested for questioning.
Matt Croft, RNLI Deputy Division Inspector for Wales said:
‘We are very proud of Christopher for reacting so quickly to the situation and that he used his specialist flood rescue skills to ensure a safe outcome.’
Christopher Missen, Police Community Support Officer and RNLI volunteer said:
‘RNLI volunteers are provided with first-class training to help them save lives, both at sea and in the case of the Flood Rescue Team, inland too during flood disasters, like Cockermouth last year. The training helps to ensure that we can respond to the specific conditions faced during flooding, allowing us to save lives in fast-flowing water, while ensuring our own safety.’
