What is the standard process for Fire and Emergency New Zealand communication centres to alert local and volunteer fire brigades that they may be required to respond to a swift water event, if any?

Answer

Those brigades are not trained or equipped to enter swift water, and will operate from the land securing the scene and carrying out any rescues they can. Fire and Emergency’s Specialist Water Rescue Teams are a dedicated capability and can safely operate in and on swift water. Specialist water rescue teams can either be pre-deployed to known areas of risk or responded when an incident requiring their attendance occurs. Police are the lead coordinating agency for Search and Rescue incidents, including water rescue, and may also request Fire and Emergency resources.