Firefighters respond to thousands of emergencies calls each year; with each incident being different than the last.

The West Midlands is a hive of open and running water sites, it has around 520 miles of canals, and numerous other open and running water sources, any of which could result in a person becoming stranded or trapped requiring rescue. For this reason, it is vital that specialist firefighters can deploy into the water quickly and efficiently to facilitate any rescues that would be needed in the fastest time possible.

At this years UKRO Festival of Rescue, firefighters from across the United Kingdom will compete against each other in open water locations to see which team is the best when dealing with incidents involving rapid flowing water, they will be able to demonstrate their skills in real time, utilizing specialist equipment and performing a variety of rescue techniques to dive into the danger and resolve the incident in the fastest and most efficient time possible.

The water rescue challenges take place at 2 different sites. One is at Barley Green Sailing Club, Bartley Green, Birmingham. The second is located at Iron Bridge, Telford. This site was selected due to the fast running water present at this location. Our colleagues in Shropshire Fire and Rescue kindly assisted us in getting this venue organised.

• Ironbridge (Jackfields)
• Bartley Green Sailing Club

Team	Registration Time	Scenario start	Scenario end
Avon	9:30	9:50	10:20
Hereford & Worcester	10:10	10:30	11:00
Durham	10:50	11:10	11:40
West Midlands	11:30	11:50	12:20
London	13:10	13:30	14:00
Northumberland	13:50	14:10	14:40
South Wales	14:30	14:50	15:20
Surrey	15:10	15:30	16:00