Flood rescue operations prioritised in new Seawork 2025 initiative

Seawork has reported that a new feature titled FloodFighters@Seawork will be introduced at its 2025 exhibition in the UK, focused on strengthening flood rescue operations.

According to Seawork, the initiative will include a conference, exhibition pavilion, interactive trail and live demonstrations aimed at equipping emergency responders with access to updated knowledge and equipment for flood rescue scenarios.

The FloodFighters Conference will take place on 10 June 2025 and be chaired by Roy Harold MBE, Emeritus UK Chief Fire Officer.

UK and international response frameworks under discussion at FloodFighters Conference

Seawork stated that the conference will gather specialists to examine maritime search and rescue (SAR) challenges and responses to major flood incidents.

Topics include how climate change is expected to affect SAR capabilities, the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) flood rescue concept updates, and the Netherlands’ approach to managing widespread flood impacts.

The organisation added that the conference will include a panel session with audience Q&A and will be followed by a networking lunch.

FloodFighters Pavilion and Trail to showcase flood response technologies

Seawork explained that attendees will be able to follow a FloodFighters Trail, connecting with suppliers and rescue teams demonstrating water and flood rescue equipment and services.

The FloodFighters Pavilion will provide an area for companies to exhibit tools and technologies to professionals in emergency response.

Seawork noted that this trail is designed to help organisations access the equipment and services required to respond to rising flood incidents.

On-water demonstrations to show flood rescue in practice

The event will feature live demonstrations on the water, coordinated by Professional Rescue and Wessex Rescue.

Seawork stated these displays will offer practical insights into new rescue methods and equipment relevant to flood scenarios.

The organisation said this component of FloodFighters@Seawork aims to support knowledge sharing through direct observation of techniques used in dynamic rescue conditions.

FloodFighters at Seawork 2025 highlights flood rescue collaboration: Summary

Seawork has confirmed a new initiative titled FloodFighters@Seawork for its 2025 programme.

The initiative focuses on flood rescue preparedness and includes a conference, exhibition pavilion, trail and live demonstrations.

The FloodFighters Conference will take place on 10 June 2025 and will be chaired by Roy Harold MBE, Emeritus UK Chief Fire Officer.

Conference topics include international SAR challenges, climate-related risks and updates to the UK DEFRA flood rescue framework.

The FloodFighters Trail and Pavilion will display flood and water rescue products and services.

Attendees will be able to observe on-water rescue demonstrations organised by Professional Rescue and Wessex Rescue.

Seawork stated that the event will provide emergency response professionals with access to tools, techniques and networks to support flood rescue operations.

Seawork is organised by Mercator Media Ltd and will take place in Southampton, UK.