Cardiff Firefighters Showcase Water Rescue Skills in City Centre Training Exercise

The exercise formed part of Drowning Prevention Week (13–20 June), a national campaign led by the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and backed by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC). South Wales Fire and Rescue Service (SWFRS) is supporting the initiative with a series of public engagement events across Cardiff to raise awareness of water safety risks.

Taking place along the Churchill Way dock feeder canal, the training scenario simulated two casualties in the water – one unconscious and one with an arm injury. Crews deployed water rescue technicians and an inflatable rescue sled to safely recover both individuals, while also demonstrating the use of a specialist Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) in an urban environment.

The exercise attracted the attention of passers-by in the city centre, offering reassurance to the public while highlighting the Service’s preparedness to respond to emergencies involving water.

Watch Manager (WM) Chris Cassidy said:

“This type of training prepares us for real incidents. It’s important that we continue to develop and demonstrate these skills, particularly in busy locations like the city centre. It also helps the public understand the capabilities we have as a service.”

The event also brought together partner organisations including city centre wardens, Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), Cardiff Council representatives, and SWFRS’s Community Safety team, who provided practical water safety advice to members of the public.

A representative from the city wardens said: “Working alongside our emergency service colleagues allows us to better understand each other’s roles and strengthens how we support the public together.”

Water safety remains a key priority in Cardiff, with the city’s three major rivers – the Taff, Ely and Rhymney – alongside Cardiff Bay and the recently restored canal, presenting ongoing risks.

Hidden for more than 70 years after being built over in the 1940s, the canal has been uncovered and reopened following extensive redevelopment, bringing renewed focus to water safety in the city centre.

By combining realistic, scenario-based training with public engagement, SWFRS continues to demonstrate its commitment to keeping communities safe.