Firefighters say they are not properly trained for river rescues

They said their lives were being put at risk because of inadequate equipment and training for river rescues.

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said its members were becoming increasingly "angry and disillusioned" with the management's lack of action.

Chief Fire Officer Stephen Hunter said that a strategy was being drawn up to cover such incidents.

He said the brigade operated a safe system of work for staff where firefighters are asked to attend an incident but instructed not to enter the water.

Mr Hunter added that the Brigade was, as part of a multi-agency partnership, working to devise a strategy for water rescue incidents throughout the Tayside area.

But Jim Mallone, the FBU secretary for Tayside, told the BBC Scotland news website that despite a team of firefighters being sent on a specialist rescue course in 2005, management had failed to put in place the correct protocols allowing them to use it.

Firefighters attend the incidents and are faced with a moral dilemma Jim Mallone FBU

He added that the firefighters had been put back on normal duties very quickly, effectively allowing their training to lapse.

"After the training session, we received specialist equipment from the Scottish Executive but that is sitting in a room in Dundee not being used," he said.

Mr Mallone said the vote of no confidence came after a firefighter recently had to be treated in hospital for hypothermia after rescuing a woman from the river.

"There have been several rescues in the last couple of years and several fatalities because of people ending up in the water.

"Firefighters attend the incidents and are faced with a moral dilemma - their reaction is to rescue the person."

But Mr Hunter accused the FBU of threatening to withdraw their commitment to serve the community.

'Difficult decisions'

"The Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 does not place any statutory responsibility upon Fire and Rescue Services to carry our water rescues.

"They (FBU) would prefer their members not to attend such incidents rather than have to make the difficult decisions that have to be made in these situations."

Mr Hunter added that in January, senior management approached the FBU with a proposal to provide additional equipment and training for operational crews to facilitate their efforts at incidents of this nature.