Over the weekend, Watersafe UK Search and Rescue Team (WUKSART) were requested to support the major flooding incident in north Nottinghamshire.
Nine team volunteers attended with two boats as part of the multi-agency response along with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and Newark and Sherwood District Council.
Tasked with supporting communities in Tolney Lane, Newark and the village of Girton, the WUKSART team carried out welfare checks, distributed food parcels and rescued 7 people trapped in flooded properties.
• Newark Floods: Drone views show Girton village isolated by flooding
Two technicians (Jon and Jane) evacuated two residents from their home, which could only be accessed using our rescue boat in nine feet of fast-flowing water.
Jon said: “There are many underwater hazards such as exposed manhole covers, debris and contaminated water which can present a risk to rescuers.
“We must factor this in to keep ourselves and others safe.”
Jane said: “we’re proud to have been able to help our local community in such difficult times.
• Council uses boats to deliver supplies to stranded residents in Girton
“Our thoughts remain with those affected.” WUKSART Team Leader (Jamie) who led the volunteer team said: “Our volunteers train all year round to ensure we’re always operationally ready.
“Supporting the important work of the emergency services and the local authority was an honour and we’d like to thank local residents for their patience during this complex and challenging incident.”
• 8 Jan – Live updates – Major incident – Flood warnings in force across Nottinghamshire
The charity, based at Redhill Marina on the River Soar, responds to flooding and water rescue incidents both locally in the East Midlands and across the country as a DEFRA National Asset.
Supporting blue light services, the team’s specialist skills include: Swiftwater Rescue Technicians, Powerboat Rescue Operations and Rope Rescue Operations. The team can be deployed 24/7 in times of adverse weather conditions, natural disasters or to search for vulnerable missing persons.
As a charity, Watersafe UK is wholly dependent on donations and grants. All money raised will be used to maintain essential kit, ensuring the team are always operationally ready. To help support the charities fundraising efforts please donate to: https://www.justgiving.com/watersafeuksearchandrescueteam
• Live updates: 8 Jan – 7 am Nottinghamshire roads closed because of flooding
