Flooding has the potential for the most wide spread impact in a single event
UPDATE AS OF 8th MARCH 2026: We are working along side two nationally recognised partners, who have MOU’s in place to work with and support the main blue light emergency’s service in their time of need. At present we are aligning all our working polices and producers to deliver the highest standard to our community in the time of need.
We are putting together volunteer flood response team, who with the training that is listed below can provide operational support to the local emergency during times of flooding. This support can be supplied in a number of ways that best meets the needs of the service. Our team can also act as critical, trained reinforcements for the Fire and Rescue Service (FRS) during flooding incidents, operating under the coordination of the FRS’s command structure to provide extra capacity for rescues, including helping to search for & rescue vulnerable people in the Hot & Warm zones
How do we train our members?
Our Flood Response Search & Rescue training is undertaken by our partner Surf Life Saving GB (SLSGB) who are dedicated, expert team training to the highest standards. They have independent accreditation, are fully compliant with the DEFRA Concept of Operations. Technical Water Rescue – IOW will have fully trained flood rescue technicians trained anywhere from, DEFRA MOD 2 up to MOD 5
How is the team made up?
We have trained flood rescue technicians and are currently recruiting to expand the team ready for full operational status in flood search and rescue at a Type C team level, – Water & Flood Rescue Technician Team. This is a highly skilled, 7-person specialised unit trained to DEFRA Module 3 standards to operate in swiftwater and flood environments. These teams are qualified for technical rescues, including in-water contact rescues, raft operations, and night-time rescues in challenging conditions.
Interested in getting involved? Use the form to express your interest!
