Press Release
Date: 29-30/11/2008
Begins:
Title: Launch of the Inland Flood Rescue Association (IFRA)
The inaugural meeting of the Inland Flood Rescue Association
got under way on the frosty morning of the 29th of November
2008, present were Flood Rescue teams from around the country
and guest speakers from the Fire and Rescue Service and Water
Rescue Training providers.
The introduction for the morning was given by the Chairman of
the Association Rob Murray, who outlined the primary and
secondary objectives of IFRA.
Primary Objectives:
• To obtain a seat on UK SAR to represent water rescue teams
within the UK
• To provide support for developing water rescue teams within
the voluntary sector and give advice and guidance on
providing a professional accredited rescue service.
• To co-ordinate and provide information on specialist approved
teams available to the emergency services within the UK
• To provide advice and assistance to its members on matters of
insurance, qualifications and current legislation.
• To lobby government and other bodies to the benefit of
member water rescue teams within the UK.
Secondary Objectives:
• To develop and improve methods of water rescue.
• To test, evaluate, and endorse/report on new equipment for its
members.
• To provide technical information on all aspects of water rescue
for its members
• To share information, training and provide support to other
teams when required.
• To enable teams to obtain equipment and insurance at
discounted prices by bulk purchase.
• To apply for grants, support and equipment for the mutual
benefit of its members.
Fire and Rescue Service talks
After the introduction Rob invited to speak Mr Paul Hayden,
Chief Fire Officer for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue
Service. During the talk he outlined the FRS proposals in
response to the 2007 Pitt Review and Gave the meeting great
insight in to the future of Flood Rescue and how there will be a
role for voluntary teams within this future. Although still
uncertain Paul made the conference aware that ad-hoc,
unregistered and un-audited teams would not be part of the
planned response and would be unable to attend incidents, this
gives us all a confidence that those that are operational during
severe flooding are capable of fulfilling their role.
The Second Talk from the FRS was given by Martin Bills, who has been working on a system of
“Team Typing”, this is a system which allows teams to be trained equipped and audited to fit the
roles needed in a flood rescue situation. A “Typed” team could be from any agency, organisation
or voluntary group and fulfil the roles assigned by the governing body. Although in draft we
were privileged to learn of the latest moves in the direction of the final draft to allow the teams
present to prepare for what will come soon.
Training in Swift Water and Flood Water
Next followed a presentation by Paul O’Sullivan, Managing Director of Rescue 3 UK. Paul
outlined the need for Training in the appropriate environment as well as the need for
accountability for that training. His ideas and insight into this area were well received by the
Teams Attending and will certainly help with the direction of the IFRA framework to ensure the
UK’s volunteers are ready to work alongside the Government agencies responsible for Flooding
response.
Launch Weekend Demonstrations
After a fine Buffet lunch at Upton Upon Severn Marina, arranged by the Weekends host Mercia
Rescue it was off out into the crisp, cold air to watch the teams provide demonstrations for the
attendees. With Global Rescue using Search Dogs to locate a simulated Drowned person and
Inshore Search and Rescue Midlands deploying a Water Rescue Team from a bridge to the water
8 metres below, and various rescue craft were on show.
Outcomes of the Weekend
The formation of IFRA was finalised by a meeting of Team Leaders from around the UK, and
agreement has been unanimous with the adoption of the Proposed “team typing” if it is instated
as it has been proposed. IFRA will be looking for funding to claim centrally for all member teams
and distribute this funding to those teams whom need the most help in complying with the
standards.
Training will be standardised within the Association to help all Member teams to develop and
integrate when deployed. IFRA will work hard to ensure that Equipment meets the regulations
and to provide advice on equipment to manufacturers and teams alike. The Association will also
seek to give feedback and assistance to Training Providers on equipment, training and hazards
faced by the teams.
Insurance will be looked in to and with the assistance of the FRS IFRA hope to put in a national
policy on insurance.
For further information please contact: info@floodrescueuk.com
ENDS
