It is hard to believe: not only the mountain rescuers, but also the volunteer Tyrolean water rescuers have to dig into their private pockets for the equipment. LA Gebi Mair (Greens) wants to start an initiative in the state parliament.
The “Krone” reports that Tyrolean mountain rescuers sometimes have to pay for functional clothing and protective equipment themselves because there is no money for it, which has caused waves.
But the men and women of the mountain rescue are not alone in this. The approximately 3,000 members of the Tyrolean water rescue team – currently around 550 on duty – are literally in the same boat. If they want to rescue in their free time and on a voluntary basis, they too must co-finance their equipment privately.
The funding is not sufficient for everyone
“Fortunately, we now receive additional funding from the state every year,” says state manager Michael Stock. Water rescuers who complete at least three missions per year benefit from the funding and receive all their personal protective equipment for free. “But it is not enough for everyone,” Stock laments.
No wonder: a wetsuit alone costs around 300 euros, a vest costs 200 euros and a helmet costs 150 euros. Members can buy equipment in an internal store, but 50 percent of the costs remain for them. Stock: “The majority of water rescuers therefore have to invest their own money to be able to be active.”
LA Gebi Mair with initiative of the State Parliament
LA Gebi Mair (Greens), himself an active mountain rescuer, has now announced an initiative in the state parliament in response to the “Krone” report. “Anyone who does volunteer work should not have to pay extra,” he demands. The slight increase in funding for mountain rescue operations that has been included in the state budget so far is certainly not enough.
“State funding has increased”
According to State Security Councillor Astrid Mair (ÖVP), state funding has recently been significantly increased.
Source: Krone
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