The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) Flood Rescue Team have to be prepared to help save lives during some of the most difficult and dangerous flooding situations – and a series of training exercises are putting their skills to the test.
The charity’s specialist volunteer teams from across the UK and Ireland are travelling to the new White Water Centre in Cardiff to practise their skills in fast flowing water, simulating as closely as possible the conditions that the teams have to face during floods.
This year, the RNLI’s Flood Rescue Team (FRT) is marking its 10th anniversary by combining forces with Cardiff Harbour Authority, which was also established in the year 2000, and holding their training at Cardiff International White Water and on the Rivers Ely and Taff.
The exercises form a vital part of the RNLI Flood Rescue Team’s specialised swift-water rescue training, which prepares them for the complex behaviour of floodwaters and rivers.
The team members are all either serving volunteer lifeboat crew members or RNLI staff who volunteer to be a part of the team. They require specialist training on top of their standard sea rescue training because the conditions they have to deal with during inland flooding are very different to those they face while saving lives off the coast.
The exercises are held over three weekends, with the last exercise taking place this weekend (May 7, 8, 9, 10).
The team will practise manoeuvring the lifeboat in rapid flowing water; research and rescue planning; communications; mapping skills, and camping and survival. It is essential that the teams are ready for anything and are able to assist those in need of help, as well as ensuring their own safety.
The RNLI FRT’s most recent deployment was to the floods at Cockermouth at the end of 2009 where over 200 people were rescued from the rapid influx of water.
The RNLI FRT was formed in 2000 following the RNLI’s deployment to Mozambique in March of that year. The main flood rescue team is split into three sub teams with up to 20 people in each, which rotate their state of readiness.
All teams are ready to travel to assist in flood relief work at home and across the globe.
About the RNLI Flood Rescue Team:
Formed in 2000, the RNLI charity’s Flood Rescue Team is available at 24 hours notice to deploy anywhere in the world where waterborne search and rescue is needed due to natural disaster.
The RNLI FRT is also a declared facility to the UK Government via the Department for International Development (DfID).
RNLI FRT members are all either serving volunteer lifeboat crew members or operational RNLI staff who volunteer to be a part of the team. The RNLI FRT depends on donations from the public and from organisations to fund specialist training and equipment.
The RNLI also has representation on the Flood Response National Enhancement Programme (FRNEP), which is being lead by Defra in England and is responsible for delivering a new flood rescue capability.
