Marine Rescue NSW has strengthened its flood rescue capabilities, with nearly 130 endorsed flood rescue and support field operators now part of its State Operations Group (SOG). This milestone follows the successful completion of Marine Rescue NSW’s first-ever Women in Flood Rescue course, ahead of International Women’s Day on Saturday, 8 March.

In response to recommendations from the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry, Marine Rescue NSW established the SOG to support the NSW Government’s response to weather emergencies. The Women in Flood Rescue course, held at Marine Rescue NSW State Headquarters in Cronulla and Penrith’s Whitewater Stadium, provided participants with intensive on- and off-water training, practical assessments, and a leadership seminar.

Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Alex Barrell commended the newly trained volunteers, emphasizing their invaluable contribution to their local communities and the state.

“Now that they have had this specialised training, these women can be deployed either in their local communities or throughout NSW with specialist vessels and equipment to ensure they can support the community,” Commissioner Barrell said.

Marine Rescue NSW volunteers used two multi-purpose vessels during the course

“Marine Rescue NSW is committed to the training and development of all its volunteers. This core group of women, who have been trained in this specialist skill, can take that expertise back to their communities to support them in times of need.”

The three-day course was made possible through a $25,000 NAB Foundation Community Grant. Commissioner Barrell expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting its crucial role in expanding Marine Rescue NSW’s flood rescue and support capabilities.

Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue leadership seminar

NAB Private Client Director David Novakovic, who attended the leadership seminar, praised the participants for their dedication.

“For them to achieve what they have in three days is incredible. It is really a testament to them, giving them confidence to take on leadership positions in marine services—that is what it is all about,” Novakovic said.

“The NAB Foundation chose to support this particular course for two reasons. First, flood and rescue services are so needed in Australia due to the climate and environment in which we live. Secondly, it is great to see women gain confidence and be empowered to take on leadership roles.”

Marine Rescue NSW Capability Manager Dave Bowing detailed the rigorous training participants underwent before being assessed.

“The women undertook prerequisite training in electrical safety, flood rescue awareness, and a range of fitness assessments before completing the self-rescue and land-based flood rescue course at Penrith Whitewater Stadium,” Bowing said.

“They also received induction training on multi-purpose vessels and IRBs (inflatable rescue boats), SOG assets, and completed deployment activities, vehicle and equipment familiarisation, and tasking exercises.”

Bowing stressed the importance of understanding logistical challenges in flood rescue operations.

“SOG members on deployment may find themselves in unfamiliar locations, working with people they do not know, navigating flood-impacted roads, and operating unfamiliar vessels or vehicles under challenging conditions,” he said.

Marine Rescue NSW Women in Flood Rescue participants hit the water on an inflatable rescue boat

Ten participants successfully completed the rigorous course, which prepares them for real-life flood emergencies. The average age of the female participants was 49.3, showcasing the diverse backgrounds of Marine Rescue NSW’s volunteers.

Participants shared their experiences, highlighting the impact of the training. Saffron Brun-Smits from Marine Rescue Brunswick described it as eye-opening.

“I found it extremely educational; it created a lot of awareness around the potential ways water can act in a flood situation. I feel much better equipped to handle those situations if I get the call,” she said.

Liz Ellis from Marine Rescue Nambucca emphasised the benefits of hands-on experience.

“It was a great refresher for me. We have a multi-purpose vessel stationed at Nambucca, so we’ve done a fair bit of training, but it’s always good to get on a different vessel, work with new team members, and operate in unfamiliar waters,” she said.

Sue Hall from Marine Rescue Narooma described the course as both gruelling and rewarding.

“It was an amazing experience- incredibly challenging but invaluable. I believe we’ve gained a huge skill set, and working with this group of women has been fantastic. I feel privileged to have trained with them,” she said.

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer-based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities. With this newly trained group of female flood rescue operators, the organisation is even better prepared to assist during emergencies.