Search and Rescue personnel will practice skills and interoperability this week with two planned training exercises.

“This weekend, Tasmania Police Search and Rescue squads will be joined by participants from Ambulance Tasmania and several rescue and volunteer groups including the State Emergency Service (SES), Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST), Southern Tasmanian Caverneers, Northern Caverneers and the Mole Creek Caving Club undertaking scenario-based training exercises, practicing skills and testing interoperability,” said Sergeant Bernard Peters.

“Regular scenario-based training exercises are invaluable as they provide an excellent opportunity for groups to come together to effectively prepare for real life events.”

Exercises will train members in:

• a two-day simulated caving incident in the Mole Creek area, involving around 60 members, including specialist caving volunteers.
• a separate marine incident Saturday afternoon-evening in the Frederick Henry Bay and Norfolk Bay areas, involving several police and SLST vessels.

“Members of the public may see an increased police presence in the areas we will be exercising this weekend, but I assure the community it is planned training, which is essential to providing emergency services,” said Sergeant Peters.