Emergency rescue teams from the City of Ekurhuleni and the City of Johannesburg braved wet and windy conditions during a joint training exercise at Germiston Lake on March 6.

The session focused on strengthening water rescue skills as extreme weather events and heavy downpours continue to pose risks of flooding and drowning incidents.

A combined group of about 40 members participated in the aquatic rescue exercise, which began at 09:00.

Participants swam from the edge of the lake to a buoy positioned in the centre and back, covering roughly 250m.

@albertonrecordEmergency responders from Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg took to the water at Germiston Lake despite rainy and windy conditions, strengthening their rescue skills to better prepare for flooding and drowning emergencies. Full story on albertonrecore.co.za♬ original sound – Alberton Record

According to William Ntladi, spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), the training forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure emergency teams remain ready to respond to water-related emergencies.

Ntladi said such exercises are important as changing global weather patterns increase the likelihood of severe storms and flooding.

“These training sessions are aimed at upgrading the water rescue skills of our personnel while also strengthening teamwork among emergency responders,” he said.

@albertonrecordThe session focused on strengthening water rescue skills as extreme weather events and heavy downpours continue to pose risks of flooding and drowning incidents. Full story on albertonrecord.co.za

♬ original sound – Alberton Record

Participants recorded different times during the swimming exercise, with the fastest completing the distance in 11 minutes and 30 seconds, while the slowest finished just outside 16 minutes.

Beyond swimming, the team also practised several technical rescue skills, including rowing inflatable rescue boats, controlling and manoeuvring the vessels, and repositioning a capsized boat.

Rescue personnel were further trained in safely re-entering and paddling the inflatable boat while still in the water, as well as in patient care and in safely removing victims from the water.

The exercise was conducted under the guidance of station manager Bafana Masilela from Wadeville Fire Station, an experienced rescue technician who oversaw the training.

Ntladi said the joint exercise also highlights the importance of cooperation between neighbouring municipalities when responding to emergencies.

He added that well-prepared rescue teams are essential as severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall remain a regular occurrence in many parts of the region.