Rescue experts from around the world have convened at the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) Flood Rescue Symposium this weekend, where they are testing their skills in simulated flood environments.
Fast-moving flood water is one of the most dangerous natural environments rescue personnel can work in, and the Whitewater Training Facility - where the Symposium is held - provides a setting in which first response agencies can practice for the real thing.
Held over three days, the Flood Symposium is led by the state's principal flood response agency, the NSW SES, and hosts representatives from agencies including NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, VRA Rescue NSW, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, and interstate and even international equivalents.
The event provides an opportunity for flood rescue experts to share, learn and take best-practice flood rescue skills back to their broader teams, with flow-on benefits for their respective communities.
The frequency and scale of flood disasters, particularly in recent times, demands consistent high-level flood rescue capability across emergency agencies within NSW, as well as Australia and internationally.
The latest rescue techniques developed after disasters in Australia, New Zealand and the United States will be shared at the Symposium among flood rescue operators including the New York State Division of the Homeland Security Emergency Service, Surf Life Saving NZ and representatives from across Australian emergency services.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:
"This event is a great example of how our emergency response agencies are working together to improve outcomes for communities in emergencies."
"I am proud that NSW is a leader when it comes to interoperability between emergency services agencies, including continuous improvements in flood response."
"After years of record flooding in NSW, and the devastation we have seen it cause for many communities, the need for highly skilled flood rescue personnel has never been greater."
NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey said:
"The Flood Rescue Symposium brings together experts from across Australia and the world to hone skills and share lessons and insights."
NSW SES Senior Manager Training Delivery Paul McQueen said:
"Fast-moving flood water is one of the most dangerous of all natural hazards."
"It can be best described as relentless power, and unlike big surf breaking on a beach, it just keeps going. Combined this with floating debris like trees, fences, cars, even shipping containers and dead animals, it can be a challenging environment for even the best trained rescuers."
"Navigating these hazards safely takes years of practice and requires a high level of skill and fitness."
