What we do
Water Search and Rescue Team
(WSART)
The Water Search and Rescue Team is a voluntary search & rescue team consisting of over 200 volunteers, working on a call out system 24/7, 365 days a year. WSART was started in 2009, following a request through British Canoeing to support a Defra national appeal.
Since then we have grown the team, both in number & in terms of training and equipping them. WSART is one of a very limited number of specialist teams; external to Police, Fire and Ambulance services, that has operational responsibility across the UK.
FoWSART
FoWSART is a charity which supports the importance of the Water Search and Rescue Team. The number of fundraising Volunteers continues to grow each day with such a great community to be part of. FoWSART believes in enjoying the time you spend fundraising and ensures that every minutes you spend with us is memorable.
The right support means everything to families living in flood risk areas. With your support, we can be there for more families when they need us. The Friends of Water Search and Rescue charity, which was founded in 2018, is a charity that supports the hard work and efforts of the Water Search and Rescue Team.
Our Vision
Our vision states that we exist for public benefit & to train our team to relieve suffering and distress amongst persons endangered by flooding or natural hazards; as well as those in vulnerable, water-based situations.
Our Mission
To prevent and protect life and relieve the suffering and distress amongst persons endangered by flooding or natural hazards or to assist in water based rescue incidents or other emergency response situations though the provision of grants to assist in the operational or tactical support of any such incident.
Our Values
Making things happen
Being clear and straightforward
Prepared to speak up and challenge on peoples behalf
listening so that we can understand and do things right
Being clear and straightforward
Prepared to speak up and challenge on peoples behalf
listening so that we can understand and do things right
Always be compassionate
Connecting and empathising with people
Starting with the persons needs, respecting them and treating them with dignity
Supporting people's choices and decisions
People at the heart of what we do
Valuing every individual
all views and expectations are heard and respected
bringing people together and building relationships
Leading in our field
Building on our unique skills, expertise and experience
sharing, innovating and partnering
always seeking to improve in everything we do