Surviving a strainer

It is the activity that our students rate the best, it also is the most challenging for many – the strainer drill.

Under close supervision, students are “trapped” around a fence post in flowing water to simulate what it is like to be caught by an obstruction in the river. Even in reasonably slow flows, this activity especially in cold water robs the student of strength and they realise how critical it is to avoid obstructions (strainers) in the water.

This skill was the last of many instructed as part of the institute’s flood worker safety programme, taking students through four hours of theory, followed by a practical day at a suitable river location.

The course is led by PSI’s expert instructors who are qualified through the International Technical Rescue Association, the world’s only not-for-profit trade association for technical rescue.