Flood exercise tests emergency crews’ rapids reaction

 

Coastguards battled raging rapids in a special flood rescue exercise to be ready for the worst of the wet weather.

The operation was a joint rehearsal between HM Coastguard and fellow emergency services and other public agencies to enhance cooperation and skills to respond to rising waters. 

Members of Coastguard Rescue Teams based along the coast from Somerset to Cornwall took part in the activities held at Cardiff International White Water, just over the Bristol Channel in Wales. 

Emergency services personnel practice with a car in a flood

Exercises in October included rescuing casualties from a submerged car, safely navigating floods on foot or in a boat, and recovering people to dry land. 

The event was hosted by the Avon and Somerset Local Resilience Forum (LRF), made up of emergency services and local public agencies. 

As well as rehearsing vital skills in a flood scenario, such as first aid and inter-agency communications, the activities helped each team to understand better how the others work and abilities that can be shared in an emergency. 

Emergency services navigate a rib down a rapids course

Senior Coastal Operations Officer Kieran Nolan-Jones: “When responding to flooding, it is imperative that multiple agencies can work together effectively and have knowledge of each other’s capabilities.  

“This was a brilliant day attended by a variety of agencies. It really allowed us to understand the other teams’ skills and practice working together."

Emergency services guided an inflatable platform through water

He added: “Not only does this help raise the awareness around HM Coastguard and our flood capabilities, but it also emphasises how important the LRF is. Many thanks to all agencies involved for a great day of training.” 

Joining the flood exercise were Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue, Surf Life Saving GB, Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue, Exmoor search and rescue, Wessex Rescue and South Western Ambulance Service’s Hazardous Area Response Team.  

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