More than 65 flood boats from the NSW State Emergency Service (NSW SES) were launched onto the state’s waterways on Saturday January 15, as part of a large-scale rescue exercise against flooding.
The drill, which saw members from 53 units across the state undertake the exercise in their respective local areas, was designed to test everyone’s skills with flood boats and rescue techniques.
Emergency Services and Resilience Minister Steph Cooke said SES volunteers had been busy over the past 12 months.
“Many of the volunteers who participated in this exercise have been busy with multiple deployments to flood and storm affected areas of our state since the start of the storm season in October,” Ms Cooke said.
“Seven river systems across NSW are currently in flood, so I want to thank all the SES volunteers who stepped up and put their training into practice to protect our communities.”
NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York said the exercise had become a significant event in the service’s training calendar.
“Although we are not all in the same place, we are still able to work on the same skills at the same time,” Commissioner York said.
“By training together, our volunteers can be as ready as possible to support their communities when needed,” she said.
Commissioner York added that while NSW SES volunteers are ready to respond and help those in need, it was equally important that community members also do what they can to protect themselves.
“That means being aware and understanding your flood risk,” Commissioner York said.
“Then having an emergency plan and kit for you, your family and your pets in case of flooding,” she said.
