Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
Surf Life Saving Queensland Magazine
That’s exactly where SLSQ’s growing Flood Rescue Responder capability comes in. As Queensland experiences more frequent and severe weather events, flooding is no longer an occasional disaster – it’s part of our seasonal risk profile. Regional townships, country roads, and even suburbs in the south- east can all be hit hard when heavy rain falls in the wrong place at the wrong time. For an organisation built on aquatic rescue expertise, expanding into flood response is both a strategic priority and a natural evolution. TAKING QUEENSLAND SKILLS SOUTH Recently, a group of SLSQ Operations Support members travelled to Tasmania to complete Flood Rescue Responder training with Surf Life Saving Tasmania’s Centre of Excellence. Over several intensive days, they were pushed well beyond “textbook training”. The course mixed theory with challenging practical sessions covering teamwork, communication, dynamic risk assessment, paddling and IRB support, wading and defensive swimming – all in realistic floodwater environments. According to SLSQ Emergency Response Capability Manager Jacob Thompson, this isn’t a “nice to have” extra. It’s essential. “Queensland faces some of the most extreme and frequent flood events in Australia,” he says. “Flooding is now a predictable part of the state’s seasonal risk profile. We need to be ready to support our partners when severe weather strikes.” SLSQ’s existing strength in aquatic rescue provides the foundation. The Flood Rescue Responder pathway builds on that base and reshapes it for a very different environment. WHY FLOODWATER IS A DIFFERENT BEAST For patrolling members, water is familiar. But floodwater behaves differently to the surf.
Instead of sandbanks and shore breaks, responders are dealing with submerged obstacles, unstable ground, variable depth and flow, and water full of debris. Visibility is often poor. Hazards can be hidden. Conditions can change in seconds. “SLSQ already has highly skilled aquatic rescuers,” Jacob explains.v“This training adapts those skills to inland, flood water environments and slow-moving water, so members are adequately trained, equipped and prepared with specialised skills, PPE and procedures to operate safely in challenging environments.” It’s not just about technical ability. The program also sharpens judgment under pressure – knowing when not to go, how to work alongside other agencies, and how to keep yourself and your team safe while helping the community. I NSIDE THE FLOOD RESCUE RESPONDER COURSE Delivered through Surf Life Saving’s Centre of Excellence, the Flood Rescue Responder program is based on an internationally recognised curriculum tailored for fast-moving and unpredictable water environments. Participants work through a mix of classroom and practical components, including: • Dynamic risk assessment and decision- making in moving, unpredictable or debris- filled floodwater • Safe entry, wading, swimming and casualty handling in a flood environment • Use of specialist PPE, throw bags and rescue tools in challenging conditions • Teamwork, communication and situational awareness in noisy, complex and stressful scenes • Integration with flood boat operations and multi-agency support roles, so responders understand where they fit in the wider emergency management framework.
INSIDE SLSQ’S RESPONDER TRAINING FLOOD RESCUE You’re used to reading the surf – spotting rips, feeling the pull of a changing tide, making fast decisions in moving water. Now imagine taking those skills inland, into brown, debris-filled floodwater moving through a town street instead of across a sandbank.
58
59
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator