THE NSW SES conducted a full day of flood rescue boat training on Wallaga Lake on Saturday, the last day of summer.
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Seven units participated, from as far north as Wollongong and as far south as Eden.
The day included an introduction to flood rescue operations for new operators, including flood rescue boat handling skills.
NSW SES local controller Tom Jory of Bega Valley said there was a land and water search exercise, including the utilisation of flood rescue boats to deploy land search teams to a remote location.
“Flood boats are a critical part of the NSW SES's capability,” he said.
“They allow us a safer way to access isolated communities and critical infrastructure during flood operations, as well as being a preferred option for Flood Rescue operations.”
Bermagui’s acting unit controller Peter Dawson said training days like these were really important for both refreshing skills and networking between all of the people from the Illawarra and South Coast.
“It means that when we have a large-scale event, we're not working with strangers, but people we've worked with before,” he said.
Kelley Gould, Bega Member, said; “The Flood Rescue training we undertook in the morning was an important first step in becoming Flood Rescue Operators. This training allows us to better help our communities in emergency situations.”
The NSW SES provides emergency assistance during flood events, such as the event affecting Bega and Tathra in December, which included five Flood Rescue activations in 12 hours.
The NSW SES is an organisation of well equipped, trained, professional volunteers.
People wanting to volunteer with the NSW SES should contact 1800 201 000, or visit www.ses.nsw.gov.au