A FIRE Brigades Union chief wants to see officers provided with the best equipment and protection to avoid a repeat of the weekend drowning tragedy.

Mr Bob Pounder's comments come after claims a 1997 safety report, commissioned by the Greater Manchester brigade on dealing with water rescues, was not acted upon.

The document, unseen by the union, apparently recommends that quick-release safety lines and other vital equipment and clothing should be provided in fire tenders.

It has been claimed the conclusions of the report, drawn up two years after consultation with firefighters, have not been implemented.

Mr Bob Pounder, Fire Brigades Union (FBU) Greater Manchester Brigade secretary, said he was unaware of the report's existence until it was drawn to his attention.

He said a full and thorough investigation, following Sunday's drowning, was under way. "The FBU has been asked to participate in the investigation into this tragic accident.

"We will be obtaining copies of this 1997 report which we've never seen."

He added: "We will be looking forward to concrete recommendations and real action taking place.

"That's what the recommendations will have to deal with.

"From a common sense point of view, it's obvious as representatives of firefighters that what we're looking to are the best possible means of ensuring firefighters can carry out their jobs as safely as possible."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester County Fire Service said it was a particularly distressing time to raise such issues.

"It is not the time for speculation now," he added. "A comprehensive review into the circumstances of the incident is now taking place."

He said the Service would await the outcome of the findings.

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