Formerly known as West Brecon Cave Rescue Team, the South & Mid Wales Cave Rescue Team is a member of the British Cave Rescue Council and is one of the 15 UK Cave Rescue Teams. The Team has been in existence since 1946 and is formed by around 150 cavers who are willing to voluntarily assist others who may be lost or injured underground in caves or mines in South and Mid Wales. Our remit for rescue extends to any underground void and includes people and animals.

We have a headquarters and depot at Penwyllt in the Swansea Valley where our Rescue Equipment, Landrover Ambulance and Rescue Control base are located. This is supported by a secondary base near Llangattock in Powys which covers the Gwent caves. We also maintain a store of specialist mines rescue eqiupment in Mid Wales.

The Team is called to an incident by the Police, who having received a call for assistance, will contact one of the SMWCRT Rescue Wardens who in turn call out team members.

Team members can be called any time of the day or night and undertake extensive training in all aspects of the technical and medical requirements of underground search and rescue.

Team Management
The management of the SMWCRT is by an Executive consisting of a total of 9 Officers and up to 4 Ordinary Members. Additionally, there are 7 Wardens, some of whom hold Officer's positions. A full list of executive committee members and Wardens is available by using the main menu.

Callout management for South and Mid Wales is effected via the Rescue Wardens and the geographical boundaries for SMWCRT are shown on the map below.

In the event of a rescue involving the Team, it is our policy to give as much information as possible, without compromising the identity of any casualties. At major rescues, the Team will designate a Press Officer who can be contacted via the local Police.