NSW SES launches inaugural flood rescue challenge to strengthen skills and capability

By Newsdesk

November 10 2025
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In a concerted effort to bolster their life-saving skills, more than 150 volunteers from the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) converged at the Penrith Whitewater facility over the weekend. The occasion marked the launch of the inaugural Flood Rescue Challenge, a major training exercise aimed at enhancing flood rescue competencies among the state's SES members.

NSW SES launches inaugural flood rescue challenge to strengthen skills and capability

The event, held on 8 and 9 November, saw seven teams representing each NSW SES zone engage in a series of realistic scenarios designed to test their mettle. These scenarios included complex simulations such as mass-casualty rescues, vehicle extrications from floodwaters, and the rescue of individuals swept away in swift water conditions.

The timing of this challenge is significant, following an exceptionally demanding year for the NSW SES. With severe weather events occurring back-to-back, volunteers have been at the forefront of emergency response, dealing with over 1,100 flood rescues across the state. This figure starkly contrasts with the same period in 2024, where nearly 400 flood rescues were conducted, highlighting a more than doubling of incidents.

NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Dean Storey emphasised the necessity of such rigorous training exercises. "This Challenge is about more than competition. It’s about giving our volunteers the chance to practise, learn and refine the specialist skills they need to save lives in floodwaters," he stated. The scenarios crafted for the challenge were deliberately designed to mirror real-life rescues, aimed at building teamwork, confidence, and capability among the participants.

Storey further elaborated on the strategic approach of the challenge, noting, "By placing members into teams they don’t usually respond with, we are encouraging collaboration and adaptability, which mirrors the real-life situations they face when responding to multi-unit or multi-agency emergencies." He added, "The scenarios are challenging, the conditions are dynamic, and that’s exactly how we build confidence and operational excellence."

This initiative is part of the NSW SES's broader commitment to enhancing its flood rescue response capabilities. Since 2022, the organisation has trained over 2,000 SES members and emergency service partner personnel in flood rescue, underscoring a sustained effort to prepare for escalating demands.

Assistant Commissioner Storey reiterated the importance of the Flood Rescue Challenge in building a robust response framework. "As the combat agency for flood rescue in NSW, our members are already some of the most highly trained operators in the country, and this event is about taking that expertise even further," he said. "This Challenge is about ensuring that when the next flood emergency comes, our volunteers are ready to respond as safely and effectively as possible."

The event also drew praise from NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Services, the Hon. Charisma Kaliyanda, who commended the exceptional dedication and skill of the volunteers. "Over the weekend, they competed in a controlled environment, but during weather events these volunteers put their lives on the line to keep communities safe," she remarked. "Every volunteer will return home better skilled in flood rescue, and that’s a fantastic outcome for the people of NSW."

The Flood Rescue Challenge represents a proactive step by the NSW SES to equip its members with the necessary skills to tackle increasingly frequent and severe flood events. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, the importance of such preparedness initiatives cannot be overstated. The NSW SES's commitment to continuous training and skill enhancement ensures that its volunteers remain ready to protect and serve their communities effectively in times of crisis.

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