The launch of the 17th season for Norfolk police's Broads Beat team was given a life-saving theme as new medical equipment was unveiled which could help people visiting the region's famed waterways.

The Broads Beat team patrols 125 miles of navigable water during the high tourist season between April and October, with the ability to respond quickly to emergency calls on the water, deal with anti-social behaviour and provide a visible presence to the public.

This year, life-saving additions to the vessel include a defibrillator, making officers better-equipped to respond to medical emergencies in the most isolated areas of the Broads. The team also has new marine based First Aid training thanks to sponsors.

Speaking at the team's annual launch on Wednesday evening at the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club in Wroxham, Assistant Chief Constable Kevin Wilkins said Broads Beat had proved to be a successful initiative.

He said: 'Broads Beat is a true team effort and this initiative would not be possible without the continued support of our partner agencies such as the Broads Authority and the many local businesses which sponsor the team.

'I've been fortunate enough to join the team on patrols and to see first-hand the excellent contribution Broads Beat makes to the local community and the policing of Norfolk.

'Last year the team made a number of arrests for a range of offences while also successfully dealing with incidents of anti-social behaviour on the waterways. We want to make sure people visiting our county feel safe and secure and it's through the hard work of the Broads Beat team, sponsors and partners, that this is continually achieved.'

Already this year, the team has assisted in incidents of boaters falling into the river after consuming alcohol while also helping in the rescue of holidaymakers after vandals slipped the mooring ropes from a vessel in Great Yarmouth causing it to collide with a bridge.

PC Paul Bassham said: 'Broads Beat is the longest running unit of its kind in the country and we look forward to another successful season, making a valuable contribution to policing on the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads.'

?To contact the Broads Beat team regarding marine related crime, call 101 or email broadsbeat@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.