After last year’s success, we once again had the opportunity to join the team from Waterschap Hollandse Delta. This year, FireWare was back on Tiengemeten to support the dike watch teams during their training days.
It felt a bit like coming home; the same great teamwork, but with new challenges and fresh energy.
More control, while continuing to co-create
This year, the Waterschap largely took the organization into their own hands. Still, they reached out to us once again for some creative and realistic input, as well as support with the organization. After all, the best ideas are born through collaboration. Together, we developed new scenarios that really made the dike watch teams think. Co-creation at its finest. Exactly what makes us happy.
From first measurement to full patrol experience
Last year, the focus was on the basics; a kind of baseline measurement to see where everyone stood. This year, the dike watch teams went out on the dike for an actual patrol, just like in real life. Along the way, they encountered all kinds of damage scenarios: cracks, subsidence, leaks, it was all there. The reports came in partly through radio communication, but also through the new dike monitoring form that the Waterschap has recently introduced.
Everyone gets involved
What made this edition extra special was that more roles were actively involved. Not only the dike watch teams themselves, but also the post leaders and radio operators took part. This way, a larger part of the dike monitoring organization was involved in the exercise. It brought more dynamics, more interaction, and above all, more realism. There was laughter, learning, and most importantly, evaluation.
Building on a strong foundation
This year’s exercise built on the competencies established last year. They proved to be a solid foundation to build upon. It was great to see how that preparation paid off resulting in even better teamwork and communication. What started last year as a baseline assessment has now evolved into a mature training program that continues to be refined each year.
Growing, learning and improving together.
The training sessions with Waterschap Hollandse Delta perfectly demonstrate how collaboration, creativity, and craftsmanship go hand in hand. Every year, we learn something new together and that’s exactly what makes these projects so valuable. We’re already looking forward to the next edition. If there’s one thing these days prove, it’s that learning together is simply fun.
Curious how it all began? Check out last year’s story:
FireWare supports Dike Watch training – The Waterschap Hollandse Delta Training Days
