If you needed any more convincing (and it seems that some people do), that driving through floodwaters is a perilous operation, then take a look at this.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) has shared dramatic images of their in-water technicians rescuing a man whose four-wheel drive became trapped in floodwaters in the state’s Riverina.
The vehicle was towing farming machinery when it became stuck on the Sturt Highway at Narrandera on Tuesday night (8 Nov).
Video shows a technician approaching the vehicle through waste deep water that had reached above the tyres and prevented the driver from opening the doors.
“Your pants are a bit wet,” he remarks before opening the door and placing a lifejacket on the driver.
“I think your car’s gone to God.”
FRNSW Strike Team Foxtrot managed to drive to within a kilometre of the vehicle, before switching to a boat to complete the rescue safely.
After firefighters freed the driver, they took him by boat to a safe location.
FRNSW, in support of the State Emergency Service (NSW SES), hopes the video will remind people that a major cause of death during floods is people entering or travelling through floodwater.
Never drive, ride, walk or play in floodwater. If it’s flooded, forget it.
FRNSW currently has strike teams operating in Forbes, Walgett and Moama, as well as rapid damage assessment teams across impacted areas.
Based on the latest weather forecasts, it’s expected the current flood event could last until February next year.