Water rescue training

As the UK faces more frequent and intense flooding due to climate change, the need for highly trained emergency responders has never been greater. But how do you safely train for dangerous, fast-moving floodwaters without putting lives at risk? HR Wallingford offers a safe, controlled space where UK emergency services can practice flood and water rescues to prepare for real-life emergencies.

A controlled environment for unpredictable emergencies

HR Wallingford is home to one of the world’s most advanced hydrodynamic research centres. But beyond the science, it plays a vital role in public safety - offering a state-of-the-art indoor training basin where emergency services can simulate real-life flood rescues in a safe, controlled setting.

Our 30-by-23 metre indoor basin can be filled to water depths up to one metre, and is capable of mimicking everything from fast-flowing white water to submerged vehicles. It’s where rescue teams can practice the skills they’ll need when lives are on the line.

Why train indoors?

Natural rivers are unpredictable - and often polluted. HR Wallingford’s indoor setup offers several key advantages:

Tailored scenarios: Each training session is built to match the specific needs of the rescue teams, from raft rescues to underwater wading.

Consistency and control: Every recruit gets the same high-quality experience; over 200 recruits can be trained in just six weeks.

Safety first: Our clean, indoor environment offers better health and safety standards than many UK rivers.

All-weather access: Rain or shine, training goes on. Our indoor basin means no cancellations due to bad weather.

And it’s not just about the water. The facility includes a classroom for theory sessions, a large private car park for emergency vehicles, and a nearby café for refuelling between drills.

Meeting training national standards

All training at HR Wallingford aligns with the UK’s official flood rescue standards, set by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). These include:

Module 1 Water and Flood Awareness
Module 2 Water and Flood First Responder
Module 3 Water and Flood Rescue Technician

While HR Wallingford doesn’t deliver the training itself, it partners with certified instructors to ensure every scenario meets or exceeds national requirements.

Preparing for a wetter future

As flooding becomes a more common threat, facilities like HR Wallingford are essential. They provide a safe space for emergency responders to hone their skills—so when the waters rise, they’re ready.