TWO people had a lucky escape after they drove into the fast-moving flooded Macquarie River north of Bathurst.
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The duo drove into the flooded river at Hill End on Saturday, but their car was quickly washed downstream.
Luckily, the occupants were able to scramble out of the car to safety, leaving their four-wheel-drive partially submerged in the river.
“This incident could have been very dangerous and both occupants are very lucky,” State Emergency Service (SES) media and community engagement officer Charles Milne said.
Mr Milne pleaded with all motorists, no matter what type of vehicle they drive, not to enter floodwaters.
“People think four-wheel-drives are more capable in floods than what they are,” he said.
“You might have driven on it [the road] a million times before, but you just don’t know what its condition is like during the flood. You just don’t know what’s under the water.
“You’re not only risking your life, but the lives of the emergency services who come to save you.”
Meanwhile, a flood watch alert remains in place for Bathurst, with swollen Macquarie River higher and faster moving than usual.
Mr Milne said ongoing rain in Bathurst this winter prompted a recent flood rescue training session for the SES unit.
“This training is vital for our role and keeps our members skills current and ready to respond to any situation that might occur,” he said.
“The training to reach this level involves training at the Penrith White Water Stadium for self rescue and team rescue.
“This is followed by flood boat training over several months. This involves slow and high speed maneuvering, rescue from boats and flood water appreciation.”
Rain is predicted to continue in Bathurst on Wednesday due to a low pressure trough moving across the state.
Up to 20 millimetres of rain is predicted.
The Bureau of Meteorology warns the weather system has the potential to cause river flooding as well as local flash flooding.
Other river systems on a flood watch alert include Castlereagh Valley, Bogan Valley and the Lachlan Valley including Belubula River and Mandagery Creek.
For emergency assistance call the SES on 132 500.
For life-threatening emergencies, call triple-0.
