The Inland Flood Rescue Association was formed in 2008 in order to give the UK's independent volunteer flood and water rescue teams a national voice and support network in order to establish good practice, national training standards and operational protocols. Although you may think that such events as flooding or searching rivers, lakes, lochs and wetlands is covered by traditional search and rescue teams in general, water rescue is in fact a dangerous, complicated and specialised discipline that requires specialist equipment, training and exceptional motivation from personnel involved.

IFRA aims to provide a focused, pragmatic approach to help it's members comply with regulations and assure the governing bodies a level of competence that they can be assured will be compatible with the other agencies used in flooding emergencies.

If you are a volunteer team which provides water rescue and would like to become involved with IFRA we would be more than welcome to hear from you. Our Committee meet regularly to keep the member teams abreast of the best practices, training and equipment changes.

 

• To maintain and enhance our relationship with government and other bodies to the benefit of member water rescue teams throughout the UK.
• To obtain a seat on UK SAR to represent water rescue teams throughout the UK.
• To provide support for developing water rescue teams within the voluntary sector and give advice and guidance on providing a professional accredited rescue service.
• To co-ordinate and provide information on specialist approved teams available to the emergency services within the UK.
• To provide advice and assistance to its members on matters of insurance, qualifications, health & safety and current legislation.
• To develop and improve methods of water rescue.
• To test, evaluate, and endorse/ report on new equipment for IFRA  members.
• To provide technical information on all aspects of water rescue for IFRA members.
• To share information, training and provide support to IFRA teams as required.
• To enable IFRA teams to obtain equipment and insurance at discounted rates.
• To apply for grants, support and equipment for the mutual benefit of IFRA members.