On the 29th & 30th October 2016, six team members (Paul Copley, Kris Kilshaw, Mike Eddleston, Neil Haigh, James Shaw & Dave Conn) took part in a swift water first responder course (Defra Module two). The course instructor was Mick Smith from Calder Valley MRT, Mick is an MPSRO regional water instructor and the water lead within his team.

Day one took place at our base covering the theory, some practical training and kitting out our candidates. Day two was based at the Burrs Country Park in Bury in the River Irwell where they covered all the practical elements of the course. Mick was assisted on this day by Howard Barton who is also a regional instructor and member of Calder Valley MRT along with our team members Chris Greenhalgh and Steve Fletcher.

All candidates enjoyed the weekend and learnt a lot but unfortunately the water levels were unseasonably low so they were unable to complete certain elements of the course. This will now be completed at a later date when water levels increase.