By MEGAN OGLE
There was smoke on the water on Tuesday when emergency services joined forces in a major multi-agency training exercise on the Noosa River.
Operation Sandfly 2015 utilised the skills of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service, Maritime Safety Queensland, Surf Life Saving Queensland, Australian Volunteer Coast Guard and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
The emergency services responded to a simulated house boat fire and carried out a search and rescue mission just in time for the upcoming busy summer season of boating.
Acting Chief Superintendent for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Adam Gwen said it was important that holiday makers and locals take precautions when out on the water over the festive season.
“People need to make sure they check their fuel lines, make sure their vessels don’t have any leaks and if they are cooking on their vessel make sure they shut off their cooking supply once they have finished,” he said.
Mr Gwen said the training exercise was integral to the agency.
“It’s important that we maintain a lot of training capabilities which ensures that we have a seamless service delivery,” he said.
