Despite the trend towards drier El Niño weather conditions, it is estimated that more than 100 severe thunderstorms will impact the south coast over summer.
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Ulladulla State Emergency Service volunteers are bracing themselves for the storms, with members undergoing training in the unit’s floodboat.
SES Ulladulla unit deputy controller Tracy Provest said Chris Coffey and Andrew Lake both successfully completed the floodboat assessment.
The two volunteers were shown the ropes by trainer and floodboat captain Wayne Firman, floodboat captain Bill McInnes and learning and SES Illawarra Region development officer Grant McClory who assisted with the assessment.
“During their test, candidates had to navigate a series of buoys on the plane in patterns such as the ABC symbol, butterfly wings and figure eight at various speeds both forward and in reverse,” Tracy said.
“With two more floodboat captains, the unit is well equipped for flood emergencies.
“Combine this with flood intelligence and the SES is preparing its members to effectively manage any local flood emergency.”
The Ulladulla SES floodboat teams are often called upon to assist with floods out of area and most recently members have assisted in Bega, Kempsey and on the western plains.
