In preparation for the impending flood and water disaster season in the Western Cape, government emergency services conducted a multi-agency flood preparedness exercise at Worcester’s Qwaggaskloof Dam on May 13, 2025.
The exercise involved specialised units from the South African Police Service (SAPS), including Water Policing and Diving services SAR operators, K9 Search and Rescue, the Special Task Force and the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness EMS Western Cape, Metro Rescue, and the EMS Drone Unit.
The simulation focused on flood rescue techniques, with personnel practicing throw bag deployments and power swims for rapid victim retrieval, arc-based search patterns to systematically locate victims in water bodies, jet ski and rubber duck rescues, including the utilization of a rescue sled for patient extraction and rubber duck operations for mass rescues in deep or fast-moving water. The arc technique, a structured search method, was emphasized to improve efficiency in locating and retrieving victims while navigating hazardous currents.
With the Western Cape’s flood season approaching, such exercises ensure rescue teams are equipped to handle water-related disasters, including flash floods, river rescues, and storm-related emergencies. Integration of drones enhances search capabilities, while K9 resources provide additional support in locating missing persons.
Authorities highlighted the importance of inter-agency coordination, as floods often require a combined effort from police, disaster management personnel, and medical teams.