SES crews from Coonamble, Walgett, Lightning Ridge and Collarenebri recently gathered at Walgett’s Boat Ramp to freshen up their water rescue skills. 

As part of the program ‘Who Let The Boats Out’, SES members participated in simulated ‘jobs’, allowing them to respond to flood-based emergencies as if they were real. 

“It’s important that we keep our skills up to date and exercise operational capability so that if major incidents happen, we can then deal with them effectively and keep the community safe,” Training Coordinator for Barwon Lane Lewis said. 

While large flood operations aren’t always the norm in local areas, the last few years have proven that the skills are crucial.

“It does happen and can happen. In 2021 we saw multiple floods happening in small areas of the Barwon, Castlereagh and Macquarie Rivers all at the same time.”

Simulated 'jobs' allowed crews to respond as if it were the real deal. (Supplied)

“Feedback was really positive from the team on the ground. It’s good when you get a group of units training together,” Mr Lewis said. 

While SES crews attended Walgett, across the state several other agencies participated in the same training, including NSW Police, VRA Rescue NSW and NSW RFS. 

NSW SES Commissioner Carlene York APM said participants practised core flood boat skills such as manoeuvring, launching and docking vessels, search and rescue, recovering persons overboard, radio communications, troubleshooting boats, fire drills and navigation.  

“It’s a great opportunity for all agencies to exchange on-water expertise, so when there is an emergency, we can respond side by side with knowledge of each other's capabilities,” Commissioner York said. 

“This exercise also gives participants an opportunity to further familiarise themselves with their local waterways, enhancing their operational effectiveness.”   

In 2023, NSW SES volunteers responded to 197 flood rescue incidents.