A search and rescue organization said at its annual open day that the service was as “vital” as ever.

The Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) first operated from a hall in Gloucestershire over 50 years ago and now has several stations across the county.

The event on August 25, which will include lifeboat rides, aims to raise awareness of the ongoing unpredictability of the River Severn.

“Service personnel will tell you that the river is changing almost constantly. Often times, where you think a safe area is has actually moved,” said David Hill of SARA.

SARA, which supports Her Majesty’s Coastguard, police and emergency services, has “grown significantly” since the service began operations in 1973, with work increasing near shore and during flooding.

There are now 250 volunteers in the organisation, covering seven stations in Gloucestershire.

“The Severn has the second largest tidal range in the world, so the water comes into the river extremely quickly, so it can be a dangerous place,” said Hill. ^ “Gloucestershire: BBC Gloucestershire”.

“There is a lot of mud and sand under the river, and it shifts frequently, so this combination often causes problems for people.

“There are some very experienced sailors in the clubs up and down the river, but sometimes they get into trouble because things have shifted and the tide just washes over them,” he added.