FloodFighters at Seawork 2025 highlights flood rescue collaboration

by EventsFeatured NewsFlooding

Flood rescue operations prioritised in new Seawork 2025 initiative

Seawork has reported that a new feature titled FloodFighters@Seawork will be introduced at its 2025 exhibition in the UK, focused on strengthening flood rescue operations.

According to Seawork, the initiative will include a conference, exhibition pavilion, interactive trail and live demonstrations aimed at equipping emergency responders with access to updated knowledge and equipment for flood rescue scenarios.

The FloodFighters Conference will take place on 10 June 2025 and be chaired by Roy Harold MBE, Emeritus UK Chief Fire Officer.

UK and international response frameworks under discussion at FloodFighters Conference

Seawork stated that the conference will gather specialists to examine maritime search and rescue (SAR) challenges and responses to major flood incidents.

Topics include how climate change is expected to affect SAR capabilities, the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) flood rescue concept updates, and the Netherlands’ approach to managing widespread flood impacts.

The organisation added that the conference will include a panel session with audience Q&A and will be followed by a networking lunch.

FloodFighters Pavilion and Trail to showcase flood response technologies

Seawork explained that attendees will be able to follow a FloodFighters Trail, connecting with suppliers and rescue teams demonstrating water and flood rescue equipment and services.

The FloodFighters Pavilion will provide an area for companies to exhibit tools and technologies to professionals in emergency response.

Seawork noted that this trail is designed to help organisations access the equipment and services required to respond to rising flood incidents.

On-water demonstrations to show flood rescue in practice

The event will feature live demonstrations on the water, coordinated by Professional Rescue and Wessex Rescue.

Seawork stated these displays will offer practical insights into new rescue methods and equipment relevant to flood scenarios.

The organisation said this component of FloodFighters@Seawork aims to support knowledge sharing through direct observation of techniques used in dynamic rescue conditions.

FloodFighters at Seawork 2025 highlights flood rescue collaboration: Summary

Seawork has confirmed a new initiative titled FloodFighters@Seawork for its 2025 programme.

The initiative focuses on flood rescue preparedness and includes a conference, exhibition pavilion, trail and live demonstrations.

The FloodFighters Conference will take place on 10 June 2025 and will be chaired by Roy Harold MBE, Emeritus UK Chief Fire Officer.

Conference topics include international SAR challenges, climate-related risks and updates to the UK DEFRA flood rescue framework.

The FloodFighters Trail and Pavilion will display flood and water rescue products and services.

Attendees will be able to observe on-water rescue demonstrations organised by Professional Rescue and Wessex Rescue.

Seawork stated that the event will provide emergency response professionals with access to tools, techniques and networks to support flood rescue operations.

Seawork is organised by Mercator Media Ltd and will take place in Southampton, UK.

Flood rescue operations in focus at Seawork 2025 FloodFighters conference

by EventsFeatured NewsFloodingSearch and Rescue

FloodFighters to bring flood response into focus at Seawork

Seawork has announced the launch of FloodFighters@Seawork for 2025.

According to Seawork, the new programme will include a dedicated pavilion, conference, and on-the-water demonstrations centred on improving flood rescue efforts.

FloodFighters will open with a conference on 10 June 2025, led by Roy Harold MBE, Emeritus UK Chief Fire Officer.

The conference will include panels and Q&A sessions with sector representatives discussing operational and strategic challenges in maritime search and rescue (SAR), particularly those linked to climate change and increasing flood events.

Sessions will include an update on the UK Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Flood rescue concept of operations, as well as input from Dutch representatives on large-scale flood response and ongoing work in that area.

Speakers to address climate impact and operational strategies

The FloodFighters Conference will begin at 09:30 on 10 June 2025 and conclude at 13:30.

Speakers are expected to present on topics including SAR obstacles connected to extreme weather events, best practices for future operations, and how nations respond after fatal flood incidents.

A dedicated session will explore developments in DEFRA’s asset register and updated guidance for UK flood response teams.

A networking lunch will follow the conference from 13:30 to 14:15.

FloodFighters Trail and Pavilion to showcase flood rescue solutions

Seawork will host a FloodFighters Pavilion where organisations can exhibit equipment and services to an audience of maritime professionals.

Visitors will also be able to follow a dedicated FloodFighters Trail across the venue.

The trail will display a range of flood and water rescue tools and technologies from manufacturers and response organisations.

Exhibitors will be present to engage with attendees and explain how their tools support operational readiness.

Demonstrations to show live flood rescue techniques

Live rescue demonstrations will take place on the water during FloodFighters@Seawork.

These sessions will be conducted by Professional Rescue and Wessex Rescue.

The demonstrations are intended to show current techniques and equipment in use for flood and water rescues.

Attendees will be able to observe how this equipment functions in practical situations.

Flood rescue operations in focus at Seawork 2025 FloodFighters conference: Summary

Seawork will introduce FloodFighters@Seawork in 2025.

The feature will include a conference, pavilion, and on-the-water rescue demonstrations.

The FloodFighters Conference is scheduled for 10 June 2025 and will be chaired by Roy Harold MBE.

Discussions will address challenges in maritime SAR operations, the effects of climate change, and updates from the UK and Netherlands on flood response.

A networking lunch will follow the conference.

The FloodFighters Pavilion and Trail will allow visitors to engage with manufacturers and responders presenting flood rescue tools and technology.

Live-action demonstrations from Professional Rescue and Wessex Rescue will also be included.

Seawork is organising the event.

Global flood response strategies at International Floodfighters Conference 2024 in the UK

by EventsFeatured News

Floodfighters Conference: Engaging with the floodfighting community

The International Floodfighters Conference 2024 is inviting delegates from various disciplines to engage with fellow floodfighters and the small search and rescue (SAR) craft-focused flood and water rescuer community.

The event will be held on August 6th and 7th in Poole, United Kingdom, and will bring together partner emergency services and responder units from the UK and beyond to address the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.

Background and philosophy of the conference

The conference builds on nearly two decades of events held across the UK, Europe, Australia, and the USA, initiated by the Flood Response Research Project Team.

These events have focused on advancing tactics and training for swiftwater and flood response strategies.

They aim to develop and share vital flood response and major incident management principles to help save lives and protect communities from the threats posed by flooding.

Event structure and highlights

Day one of the conference will take place in the Waterside Room at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution College, known for its world-leading search and rescue training.

The day will include a keynote address from Dr Paddy Morgan MD (TBC) and be chaired by Emeritus Fire Chief Roy Harold.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from leaders in the field, engage in discussions, and access an online repository of information for future reference.

The day will feature technical and tactical updates, case studies, vendor exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

Hands-on learning and equipment demonstrations

The second day, August 7th, will be held at MDL Cobbs Quay Marina.

This day will focus on SAR-related workshops and equipment demonstrations, offering delegates experiential learning opportunities.

Sessions will include classroom learning, practical demonstrations on the pontoon, and on-water exercises in Poole Harbour.

Delegates will pre-book and follow a set stream for the day in small groups, ensuring a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.

IFSJ Comment

The International Floodfighters Conference 2024 presents a vital opportunity for professionals involved in flood response and water rescue operations to come together and share knowledge.

The event’s emphasis on both theoretical and practical learning ensures that delegates gain a well-rounded understanding of the latest techniques and equipment in the field.

The inclusion of case studies and tactical updates provides valuable insights into current capabilities and future needs, fostering a collaborative environment where experts can contribute to improving flood response strategies globally.

By maintaining an online repository of the information shared, the conference ensures that lessons learned are preserved and accessible for future reference, supporting ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of flooding on communities.