Inflatable boats can be extremely useful in emergency first response situations, especially in flood waters.
With the recent 2023 weather events our Takacats have proved valuable in situations where a boat has been needed for first response to rescue stranded people in cars and even livestock. The Takacat Catamaran Hull design offers superior stability for rescue operations and the open bow design of the LX allows for easy retrieval of people stranded. The ability to inflate and set up in 10 minutes allows first responders the ability to rescue people or survey an area quickly. In the Auckland floods our local street was amongst the affected by flood waters. We utilised our Takacat to transport people, who were stranded, to their homes, and rescue livestock that were being swept away in the rising flood waters. The compact packdown size of the Takacats means they can be carried in most first response vehicles with no need to tow a boat and can be at t
he ready anytime. Recently the Fire Service commandeered one of our Takacats to effect a rescue of stranded people in cars in flooded roads in Dairy Flat, Auckland. Our Takacat Inflatables Boats are now in Service with the Fire Service in Germany and Italy where they are used for first response and rescue on Rivers and Lakes. Closer to home earlier this year the Auckland Maritime Police SAR team have acquired a Takacat to use for search and retrieval in shallow draft areas of the Harbour.
While our Takacat have proved to be a real assets to the first responders there are a number of ways Inflatable boats are extremely helpful to emergency services while navigating the affected area during an emergency response:
Evacuation: Inflatable boats can be used to rescue people trapped in flooded areas. They are lightweight and can navigate through shallow water or narrow spaces where larger boats may not be able to reach. They can be easily maneuvered by rescue workers, allowing them to reach people in need and transport them to safer locations.
Access to isolated areas: During floods, certain areas may become isolated due to rising water levels. Inflatable boats can navigate through flooded streets, alleys, and other waterlogged areas, providing access to people who are stranded or in need of assistance. They can reach places that are inaccessible to larger boats or vehicles.
Swift water rescue: Inflatable boats are designed to handle fast-flowing water and turbulent conditions. They are equipped with features like self-bailing systems and high buoyancy, allowing them to navigate swiftly in swift water situations. Rescue teams can use these boats to reach individuals caught in strong currents or stranded on objects in the water.
Transportation of supplies and medical aid: Inflatable boats can transport essential supplies such as food, water, medical equipment, and medication to areas affected by floods. They can also be used to deliver medical aid, evacuate the injured, and provide basic healthcare services to those in need.
Search and rescue operations: Inflatable boats are versatile and can be deployed for search and rescue operations. They can navigate through debris-filled water, check submerged vehicles or buildings, and locate and retrieve people who may be in distress. Inflatable boats are often used by emergency response teams to conduct systematic searches of flooded areas.
Floating platforms: Inflatable boats can serve as floating platforms for emergency response operations. They can be used as bases for deploying divers, conducting reconnaissance, or setting up temporary command centers. These boats provide stability and a secure platform for rescue personnel to carry out their tasks effectively.
Community assistance: Inflatable boats can be deployed to assist communities during floods by providing transportation for the elderly, disabled, or vulnerable individuals who may have difficulty evacuating on their own. They can also be used to distribute food, water, and other supplies to those in need, especially in areas where the floodwaters have made land transportation impossible.
