HEARTBROKEN parents who lost their son in an accident on the River Clyde have warned of “catastrophic consequences” if cuts are made to the lifesaving Polmadie boat service.

Duncan and Margaret Spiers have been campaigning for increased river safety since their beloved son, Christopher, died after slipping into the water in 2016.

The 28-year-old, from Balornock, was walking to his partner David’s home in Kinning Park after a night out on January 29, 2016, when he slipped and fell into the water.

Now, Duncan has urged the Scottish Government to intervene in plans to reduce Scottish Fire and Rescue Cover (SFRS) from the Polmadie boat site.

Glasgow Times:

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Duncan said: “The fire brigade saves lives and, without them, it will put lives at risk.

“The Clyde is a big river, it’s like a big vein, it runs right through Glasgow and outwards. Without them there, there is only the Humane Society and they’re brilliant at what they do but they need support.

“Taking them away will mean a big hole and it’s something the public should be asked about. The Scottish Government need to intervene.”

He added: “It’s hard when we’re fighting for water safety and there’s cutbacks. If somebody goes into the water, God knows what will happen if they’re not there to save them.

“We’re just living a nightmare, over and over. Our hearts will never be the same because they’ve just been ripped out. I don’t want this to happen to other people.”

Police officers tried to save Christopher by throwing in a life belt, but it missed and, because it wasn’t attached to a lead, they were unable to try again.

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Since his untimely death, his loving parents and brothers have fought to make Scotland’s waters safer with their Christopher’s Saving Lives Campaign.

So far, the family has helped provide safety resources for the river, Mugdock Park, Luss and several canals with work continuing to be carried out across the country.

It’s a draining process but one they’ve vowed to continue in a bid to create a legacy for their boy.

The 57-year-old added: “I’m still waiting on him coming in with a big smile on his face and that’s been seven years.

“We’re just trying our best to keep things safe for everybody and we will keep doing it until we can’t do it any more.”

As previously reported by the Glasgow Times, SFRS staff have warned they’re concerned about covering both the river and the fire station.

Assistant Chief Officer David Farries, from the SFRS from the director of service delivery, said: “From September, we will change our crewing model at Polmadie Community Fire Station to a dual-crewed approach for water rescue.

“This will allow staff to also respond to other incidents and brings Polmadie into line with other Swift Water Rescue stations across Scotland, augmented by crews at Knightswood Community Fire Station and our national network of specialist resources.

“We are not removing any resources from the Clyde or from those stations supporting Swift Water Rescues across Scotland and are maintaining three fully trained crews who can be deployed.

“Water rescue is a multi-agency responsibility and we will still maintain a 24/7 emergency response provision.”

Glasgow Times:

A Scottish Government spokesperson added: “Firefighters play a vital role in protecting our communities and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has continued to deliver the high standard of services required to keep Scotland safe. We are providing £368.1 million - an increase of £14.4 million in budget for SFRS this year.

“Operational decisions on the allocation of resources are a matter for the SFRS board and chief officer. In common with all public bodies, it is right that SFRS continues to review its operations to ensure it is effective and delivering value for taxpayers money."