50 Emergency Service Workers Participate in Water Rescue Training on the River Spey

Around 50 emergency service workers took part in a water rescue training exercise on the River Spey in Fochabers on Saturday, 5 October. The exercise simulated two 4-man canoes capsizing, with an unknown number of casualties, and tested the collective response of multiple emergency services. 

Led by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), the exercise involved personnel from the HM Coastguard as well as local ghillies. It was designed to challenge participants with water rescue operations and the coordination of medical treatment.

SFRS Station Commander Alan Weston emphasised the significance of joint training, saying:
"Training alongside other emergency services on the River Spey is essential for assessing our preparedness to handle major incidents involving multiple casualties.

"Simulated scenarios like water rescues allow us to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement, helping us fine-tune our approach. This collaboration ensures we can respond quickly and effectively to protect the public and reduce the overall impact of any emergency."

The exercise presented various operational challenges, including communication and situational awareness.

HM Coastguard Senior Coastal Operations Officer Colin Wood highlighted the importance of multi-agency rehearsals.  He said: “It’s important for HM Coastguard to rehearse this kind of hazardous situation alongside fellow emergency services because we frequently attend incidents that require a multi-agency response.

“This water rescue training exercise is an opportunity to test our communications, coordination, and shared situational awareness so that, if the worst happens, we can respond together swiftly and effectively.

“HM Coastguard has a statutory responsibility to co-ordinate incidents at sea and, locally, within the tidal waters of the River Spey. Taking part for HM Coastguard will be the Coastguard Rescue Teams from Burghead, Buckie and Portsoy.”