Swiftwater Rescue Techniques  (SRT)

Sometimes we are called to incidents where we cannot use our rescue boats. Typically these are shallow, fast flowing rivers and streams, near weirs or areas of flood water. In these cases we deploy our swiftwater rescue technicians (SRT), these are personnel trained to internationally recognised Rescue 3 qualifications with a wide range of water rescue skills. SRT Technicians are trained to enter hazardous water by swimming or on foot to reach casualties who require medical assistance or extraction to a place of safety. Swiftwater & Flood Rescue Boat Operators ('SFRBOs') are trained to operate the rescue boats in hazardous and fast flowing water.  We have been called out to use these techniques to rescue people trapped in vehicles or buildings during flooding events and when searching for missing people. 

SARA Wyre Forest provides an officially declared 'Type B Flood Rescue Team', with SRT & SFRBO crew operating a powered flood rescue boat, and as such forms a part of the UK's national response plan for flooding incidents. We have been called a number of time by DEFRA to help in recent times as part of this plan. We have been deployed to Devon, Essex and as far North as Yorkshire in the past. Due to the nature of floods, we must be ready at moments notice to go anywhere in the UK for up to 4 days. We ensure readiness by having equipment and supplies ready within our specialist Flood Trailer.