AFTER reading in the paper about the open verdict into the death of fireman Paul Metcalf I felt I really had to put pen to paper.

It came to light that these firefighters, who do a wonderful job, have never had any training in water rescue and yet my son has been turned down three times from Manchester and once from Lancashire Fire Brigade because his spelling and dictation were not up to scratch.

Yet, he has been a long-distance/outdoor swimmer, training in the Blue Lagoon at Belmont, which claimed a life only a few weeks ago. This training started in March and went through until June or July (twice a week).

He is also a fully qualified lifeguard, a swimming teacher and a water aerobics teacher.

Now they are to train firefighters in water and in swimming pools. May I ask who is going to teach them? Someone like my son, who isn't good enough for the Fire Brigade.

It's about time practical skills are thought about instead of spelling and writing.

After all, in this day and age, computers and word processors can correct that but they can't save firefighters from drowning.

A very annoyed and disgusted mother . . .

C M Bullough

Belmont Road

Bolton