I wrote last week about SEBEV’s past experience working in flooded areas. This was not something SEBEV had been set up specifically to help with, it was just a natural extension of their willingness to help a community in need.

With flooding and its terrible aftermath seemingly becoming more common, it was inevitable that a SAR group would be set up to assist in this work.

The Inland Flood Rescue Association, which was established in 2008, aims to become the representative voice of swift water and flood rescue teams from across the United Kingdom.

Our objectives are:-

To maintain and enhance our relationship with government and other bodies to the benefit of member water rescue teams within the UK.

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 develop and improve methods of water rescue.

To test, evaluate, and endorse/ report on new equipment for IFRA  members.

To provide technical information on all aspects of water rescue for IFRA members.

To share information, training and provide support to IFRA teams as required.

To enable IFRA teams to obtain equipment and insurance at discounted rates.

To apply for grants, support and equipment for the mutual benefit of IFRA members.

I don’t know much about the group, or any of its member teams – although over the next few days I will be introducing you to a few of them – but I do like the order of the objectives above…

How much of its aims are to do with looking after its own? Getting its voice heard? etc.. and how few are about providing a good quality inland flood rescue service to the UK? Or am I being over sensitive?