NSW SES Volunteers Complete Flood Rescue Training on Nepean River

More than 30 NSW State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers from across Sydney participated in a flood rescue training exercise on the Nepean River at Jamisontown on Saturday, 26 September. The exercise was designed to test boat operations and enhance coordination for real-life flood emergencies.

The training program covered practical operational skills, including improvised launching, rescue boat recovery, casualty management, high-speed maneuvers, and familiarisation with the new Light Flood Rescue Vehicle. Participating members worked through simulated scenarios to assess decision-making, communication, and technical capabilities in a controlled setting.

According to the NSW SES, its volunteers have responded to more than 160 flood rescues across the state this year. NSW SES Acting Zone Commander Daniel Kenner noted that the exercise allowed personnel to refine critical life-saving techniques and build inter-unit teamwork.

Acting Chief Superintendent Kenner stated that the Nepean River, situated in one of Australia's largest unmitigated flood risk areas, provides an environment that reflects the natural hazards volunteers encounter during actual emergencies, allowing teams to practice safely during settled conditions.

The exercise included volunteers from across the Metro Zone, representing units from Bankstown, Canterbury, City of Sydney, Cronulla, Hunters Hill, Hurstville, Kogarah, Liverpool, Marrickville, Mosman, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Sutherland, The Hills, Warringah Pittwater, and Waverley Woollahra.

In a concurrent activity on Saturday, 15 NSW SES members completed High Clearance Vehicle currency training at Hawkesbury to maintain operational readiness with specialist flood rescue vehicles.

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