June 24, 2014
by Peter Verbakel
It hasn’t started raining or flooding again yet, but the State Emergency Service volunteers are preparing!
Two volunteers from Kingaroy SES will undertake formal training in floodboat operations next month.
Kingaroy SES does not have a floodboat but neighbouring Nanango SES does, and this training will ensure that Nanango has ample qualified operators to call on when their floodboat is deployed.
The training puts considerable demands on the volunteers.
Formal training consists of two three-day weekends, study and assessment of the Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) handbook for operators, swimming competency, practical boat handling skills and vehicle and trailer reversing.
Volunteers are also required to have proficiency in knots, communications, safety and working in a team.
The Kingaroy volunteers, Julie Croker and Joe Hafemeister, have been hard at work with their studies, and have already had several weekends on the water, under supervision, to familiarise themselves with the craft and water behaviour.
They have also been busy practicing their trailer reversing amid some tricky courses, however no traffic cones have been injured during their challenges!
The photo shows several SES volunteers from Kingaroy and Nanango Groups inspecting the floodboat.
Last weekend the pair had some on-water time at Bjelke-Petersen Dam.
The South Burnett community can feel proud that these volunteers are undertaking this training to be of assistance in times of flood or storm.
For further information regarding the SES or recruitment, visit www.emergency.qld.gov.au/ses or contact Nanango SES on 0448-138-220 or Kingaroy SES on 0428-741-274.
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