Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team

The 3R Foundation recently awarded £490 to Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team for 10 waterproof VHF radio cases, improving communications and safety during flood and water rescue operations.

Bowland Pennine Mountain Rescue Team (BPMRT) is a volunteer-run charity providing specialist search and rescue services across Lancashire and surrounding areas, working alongside the emergency services on behalf of Lancashire Police.

On call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the team responds to missing person searches, medical emergencies, steep ground rescues and swiftwater and flood incidents.

Reliable communication is essential during these operations, particularly when rescue technicians are working in fast-flowing water or dangerous flood conditions.

The 3R grant funded 10 specialist waterproof radio cases, protecting the team's VHF radios while allowing them to remain operational during water rescues.

And they were put to use almost immediately!

Within a week of arriving, the cases were used when the team was deployed to search for a missing person along the River Lune in Lancaster.

For the first time, incident commanders could track rescue technicians using the GPS built into their radios, giving them a much clearer picture of where personnel were operating in the water.

Previously, the radios couldn't be used safely in the water, so this valuable tracking capability wasn't available.

A great example of how a modest equipment grant can make a real difference to rescue team safety and effectiveness.

The 3R Foundation funds grants like this through the Recycle, Reuse, Rehome charity shop in Carnforth (next to Tesco).

Every purchase in the shop helps fund grants for local charities, clubs and community groups across North Lancashire and South Cumbria. Please support the shop so we can continue helping even more organisations in our area.