After months of preparation, the Mangahao Whitewater Park became the venue for advanced swiftwater vehicle rescue training.
Public Safety Institute earlier this year secured an agreement with the Environmental White Water Park Trust to be the exclusive provider of swiftwater rescue training at the Mangahao whitewater park, near Shannon in New Zealand. The ITRA recognised training course (ITRA Introduction to Swiftwater Technician & Introduction to Swiftwater Vehicle Rescue) was delivered by veteran swiftwater vehicle rescue instructors Steve Glassey and Geoff Bray, both qualified ITRA Level 3V Swiftwater Instructors (the only two in NZ!).
Along with cooperation from King Country Energy and the local community, and the support of ITRA members in preparing the vehicle especially prepared for the course, the course went off without a hitch and provided a rather demanding but very realistic environment for students to learn how to conduct safe shore based and in-water vehicle rescue methods.
Amazing photography and video was taken by Blair Hillyard. More photos from the course can be found on our facebook page.
If you are interested in doing vehicle rescue training at the Mangahao or are an ITRA instructor interested to access the venue for swiftwater training, please contact us.
