Queensland Fire Department Level 2 Swiftwater technicians are highly skilled firefighters specialising in water-based rescues in swiftwater and floodwater environments. 

Swiftwater is water that is moving at more than 2km/h. This may not seem fast, but at this speed, the water has enough power to sweep vehicles and persons from roadways. It is dangerous to enter swiftwater under any circumstances.

Swiftwater can affect areas during and after severe weather events such as cyclones, it can also occur during small, localised rain events. Common places that community members are exposed to Swiftwater are anywhere that water crosses roads as well as swollen creeks and rivers during and after rain events.

Quick stats

Across Queensland there are:

• more than 400 trained Firefighters trained as level 2 swiftwater rescue technicians
• more than 120 of these technicians are also trained to use motorised swiftwater rescue craft (located across the state)
• these technicians are constantly training to ensure they are always prepared to protect the community. The Technicians travel within Queensland, interstate and even overseas when required
• during the 2022-23 severe weather season swiftwater rescue technicians responded to more than 70 rescue incidents
• overall Queensland Fire and rescue responds to more Swiftwater incidents than any other type of rescue.

The lifesaving work they do is dangerous: they risk their lives to save yours. Stay out of floodwaters.

If It’s Flooded, Forget It.