1. A solution in search of a problem:
ACT Policing has put its newly acquired jet skis to skilled use in the rescue of a canoeist stranded and in distress on the banks of the Molonglo River on Sunday afternoon (October 17).
About 5.10pm, the 23-year-old male contacted ACT Policing stating he was in difficulty at the southern end of Molonglo River. The male had taken his canoe out on the river to an unfamiliar and isolated location. Due to a change in the weather, strong westerly winds prevented him from returning to where he had begun his journey.
Based on the description of the locale, SRS-Water Operations officers were able to identify where he was stranded and decided the best response, considering a nearby submerged pipeline and the narrowing of the river at the male’s likely location, was to use the team’s newly acquired jet skis.
Upon police arrival, the male appeared cold, tired and distressed however, was not injured. The jet skis were used to convey the male and his canoe back to his vehicle. Due to his level of exhaustion and limited experience, police do not believe the male would have been able to extricate himself from his isolated location prior to nightfall.
“This was an example where our jet skis were the best equipment for this rescue task,” Water Ops Sgt Warren Williamson said.
“The speed at which we could deploy our craft into a restricted area, its ability to manoeuvre close in to shore, and its dual role as a tow craft while able to carry an extra passenger made it ideal for this rescue.
“There’s no doubt these watercraft will be a very useful addition to our fleet over the coming summer months.”
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