The second York Rescue Boat team that I mentioned yesterday were the wading team, who were busy practicing different wading techniques, self rescue and looking at hydrology in an urban environment.
They were using Tower Gardens for this exercise. Apparently the best training opportunities come when the river levels are at beween 3.7 and 4.0 metres above normal summer level, and on days when volunteers can get away from work, making the floods at the weekend ideal for their training.
Teams were carrying out their training on both Saturday and Sunday. It is quite remarkable that this is all carried out by volunteers. Judging by the expression of the volunteer on the left, it isn't all fun!
Today the river level is at 2.75 metres (9 feet) above the normal summer level, so flood water will have receeded from properties. Some low laying land around the city may still be affected.
These people and others like them who give their spare time to help others are the heroes of our times. Beautiful capture of them while doing their training.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It's quite reassuring to see these heroes at work, and good that their expertise is being spread around the country. For example they were active in the terrible floods in Carlisle in 2015.
Good to hear the levels are reducing now and a great capture of the guys practicing their skills.
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
It's quite reassuring to see these heroes at work, and good that their expertise is being spread around the country. For example they were active in the terrible floods in Carlisle in 2015.
Ian
Thank you Jo - I was rather surprised to find this activity!
Ian