North Queensland firefighters have gathered in Tully for swiftwater rescue training

North Queensland firefighters took part in intense training which included preparing for one of the state’s most common major incidents.

North Queensland firefighters gathered in Tully for swiftwater training ahead of cyclone season.

Ahead of cyclone season, firefighters from across North Queensland have gathered in Tully for swiftwater rescue training.

The ten-day training event saw 18 candidates learn key skills that could save lives in the event of a flood.

Training coordinator Neil Mellifont said trainees learnt a number of essential skills.

“How to read water, the hydrology of the water, how to perform rescues, foot entrapment rescues, and different scenarios from across what we do and incidents we attend,” Mr Mellifont said.

“We have a car prop set up, and we teach the guys how to do rescues off cars. That seems to be one of our major incidents we get around the state.”

North Queensland firefighters gathered in Tully for swiftwater training ahead of cyclone season.

Since completing the training, the firefighters have become qualified in swiftwater rescue, and are able to properly assist in rescues.

Mr Mellifont said it’s incredibly important for North Queensland firefighters to receive this training.

“It’s so important due to the types of weather events we do get in North Queensland with cyclones, floods and heavy rain events that come so quickly,” Mr Mellifont said.

“We just needed to boost a few more numbers in North Queensland, and this greatly assisted us.”

Despite the new training, Mr Mellifont said he hopes firefighters never have to use their new skills.

“It’s cyclone season, so be prepared,” Mr Mellifont said.

“If it’s flooded, forget it. Stay out of the water.”

Originally published as North Queensland firefighters have gathered in Tully for swiftwater rescue training