Water Training Exercise in Swansea

On Wednesday, 7^th January, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) crew members took part in a training exercise named “Water Tower”, held at Queens Dock, Swansea.

The exercise, consisting of crew members and appliances from Morriston Fire Station White Watch, Turntable Ladder crew and Morriston On-Call was designed to enhance the crew’s capability of operating a turntable Ladder safely and effectively whilst setting up a water tower in hazardous conditions after dark.

The training scenario simulated a vessel on fire within the docks, providing a realistic environment and target for crews to practise setting up and operating in low‑visibility conditions.

During the exercise, the crew achieved their operational target of delivering 2,500 litres of water at 10 bar pressure, projecting a powerful jet 40 metres on to the vessel. Thermal imaging cameras were used simultaneously, allowing crews on the ground to identify heat spots and direct the monitor jet with precision.

The Turntable Ladder operated at full capacity throughout the exercise with water being pumped directly from the docks by the Morriston On‑Call crew into the Turntable Ladder, allowing the entire operation to run on recycled water and ensuring no wastage.

The exercise was a huge success with crews gaining valuable knowledge in a realistic setting.

Thank you to the Associated British Ports for their assistance and to all crews who took part in the cold and wet conditions.