Crewmembers from Burnham-On-Sea’s BARB Search & Rescue have been taking part in swift water ‘rescues’ during an intensive two-day training exercise with first responders from across the region.
Eight of BARB’s volunteers worked alongside Police, fire and other emergency services from across the South West during the water rescue training at Cardiff International White Water Centre.
“Swift water rescues are among the most physically challenging for crews, so training like this is an important part of our ongoing programme for crewmembers,” said a BARB spokesman.
“Rescues of people from fast flowing water and from partially-submerged vehicles are just a few of the training scenarios that were practised with colleagues from other rescue services.”
“While don’t wish to put these skills into use during real incidents, we hope it is reassuring for the public to know that BARB’s crew is fully trained and equipped should the need arise.”
“It’s all part of our ongoing programme of training for our volunteers alongside partner agencies.”
The training follows JESIP (Joint Emergency Services Interoperability) principles and involved the local resilience forum with fire services, the Police dive team, Coastguard, Environment Agency, Exmoor and Avon/Somerset MR teams.
