The South West England Rescue Association, SWERA, was formed in 1978 in response to the number of rescue teams that were being formed in the region.

SWERA current formation comprises seven teams from across the near South West of England, comprising Bristol, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset (part) and Wiltshire.

• Avon and Somerset Search and Rescue (ASSAR)
• Dorset Search and Rescue (DORSAR)
• Gloucestershire Cave Rescue Group (GCRG)
• Mendip Cave Rescue (MCR)
• Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA)
• South East Cave Rescue Organisation (SECRO)
• Wiltshire Search and Rescue (WILSAR)