A joint water rescue training program, featuring the “Ark of Life” initiative by China’s Blue Sky Rescue team and Pakistani emergency responders, was held from October 10 to 15, equipping 65 Punjab rescue officers with specialized skills to tackle water-related emergencies.

Managing incidents involving rivers, canals, low-lying areas and urban flooding requires highly trained personnel, advanced equipment and a rapid, coordinated response — capabilities that the training aimed to strengthen among local responders, Gwadar Pro reported on Friday.

The training concluded with a closing ceremony and aimed to improve local preparedness for monsoon rains and floods in the region.

The six-day program covered the establishment of safety lines, the preparation of improvised rafts for casualty evacuation, and boat handling and rescue operations.

Experts from Blue Sky Rescue delivered hands-on instruction designed to build proficiency in swift-water rescue, boat operations, safety protocols, rope techniques and coordinated team response.

The training culminated in a practical water rescue exercise conducted by the Emergency Services Academy.

Punjab Minister for Health and Emergency Services Khawaja Salman Rafique said the exercise adhered to standards set by the United Nations’ International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).

Addressing the closing ceremony, Rafique thanked the Chinese expert team for sharing specialized water rescue techniques, saying these skills would help save lives.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China