It can take the heart and courage of a volunteer to jump into freezing water and save lives.
In 2001 Martin Srahulek’s concern about the absence of lifeguards to look over the waters of the beautiful Nové Mlýny reservoirs in the Czech Republic gave him an idea. Together with a few friends he took it upon himself to set-up the Nové Mlýny Water Rescue Team. It now boasts 50 volunteers and 12 active members and has proven to be highly effective.
The second video in Ford’s ‘Lifesavers’ series focuses on Martin, who works full-time as a hospital paramedic, and the dedication he and his team of volunteers have protecting the visitors to Nové Mlýny. Integral to that is looking after sailing events that happen around ten times every year that have, in the past, proved to be a serious test for their skills. While the waters often look calm, they can turn perilous very quickly, putting their life saving skills in the water to the ultimate test.
The film goes live on June 21st and is the second episode in a series that has already been to Valencia, Spain following a young paramedic with the ambulance service. The series highlights the challenges that Europe’s lifesavers face and the courage and drive they must find to overcome them.
The ‘Lifesavers’ series
In each episode, the Ford video cameras have captured the tough daily challenges that confront the featured lifesaver as they serve their local communities. The series will include1:
Episode 1: Valencia Ambulance Service, Spain - Available now
Episode 2: Nové Mlýny Water Rescue Team, Czech Republic - June 21st, 2021
Episode 3: Derby Mountain Rescue, UK - July 12th, 2021
Episode 4: Pompiers 13 Fire Brigade, France - August 2nd, 2021
Episode 5: Fire Brigade Services, Slovenia - August 23rd, 2021
Episode 6: Bavarian Red Cross, Germany - Date TBC
Please see the related section for "Lifesavers" videos and articles.
The Nové Mlýny Water Rescue Team
The team currently has five Ford Rangers in servic. With close cooperation with Ford and commercial vehicle converters, they work together to utilise the inherent strength, reliability, and towing and water-wading capabilities while adding additional customisation to suit the specific needs for saving lives on the water.
Quotes
“Suddenly I found myself surrounded by amazing, wonderful people, in a beautiful family
atmosphere. We all sacrifice in our own ways, to keep these waters safe. And we’re happy to do it.” Martin Srahulek, Water Rescue Team, Nové Mlýny
“What struck me the most over the five days was how passionate Martin, and the other volunteers were to be a part of this team. Each gives up their weekends and spare time to look after the waters and keep people safe, but for some that would be a full-time job. On one shoot day, Martin worked a night shift as an ambulance worker, then came to the base after a couple hours sleep and was ready to volunteer. These are amazingly dedicated volunteers and I hope this passion comes through the film.
Jerome Isaac, producer, Ford Lifesavers
Links and Hashtags
Footnotes
*this number is an estimate based on sales figures from Austria, Germany, Spain and the UK in the last five years, which is the typical minimum service life
