Beavering away in art of saving lives

The 5th Blackpool Beaver Scouts, who are based on the corner of St. Walburga’s Road and Newton Drive, visited the Fire Station at Forest Gate as part of their Safety Awareness Badge on July 6.

Philip Mather, spokesman for Blackpool District Scouts, said: “The visit proved really good fun.

“The beavers were able to get into the one of the fire engines, use the hose, watch a dummy run of a rescue from a tower on site, and try on breathing gear, helmets and jackets.

“However, there was a very serious side to the visit. It reminded the youngsters and the leaders of the many safeguards that the service provides.

“On top of fighting fires, and helping at roadside accidents and major incidents, the fire personnel explain the importance of keeping doors closed and getting smoke alarms installed into houses.

“They also told the youngsters how dangerous it was to make a false 999 call, because it could endanger someone in a real fire, because the fire service had been sent to a wrong address. This is one of many many great things about scouting: learning by doing.”

People who are interested in researching vacancies in the Cub section at the 5th Blackpool Scout Group can find out more online at http://blackpoolscouts.org.uk/