Fire Rescue News - A.C. FIREFIGHTERS TAKE TO THE SURF FOR WATER RESCUE TRAINING
ATLANTIC CITY-- Class was in session at Atlantic City. Friday's lesson had city firefighters taking to the surf to learn how to use a new department tool.
"Today we're focusing more so on wave runner training in regards to using a personal watercraft and components of surf rescue," said Atlantic City Fire Department Special Operations Battalion Chief Michael Dixon. The Atlantic City Fire Department recently purchased a personal watercraft and firefighters ran through drills that included,,,,,Continue Reading
navigating an obstacle course, and picking up a struggling victim.
"It's additional training to handle the personal watercraft and a swimmer on the back of the watercraft to put the victim on the sled in a rescue situation," said Dixon.
So teamwork was put to the test. It's cooperation that may save your life. "This training can definitely save lives, its been proven on both the east and west coasts," said Dixon.
That's why this training is so important and will come in handy when lifeguards are off duty. "We do get visitors that go in the water after the beach patrol leaves for the night so we do have people that end up in trouble," said Dixon.
It's all a part of the department's ongoing water rescue training program and first responders are glad they have a new, faster way to keep beaches safe.
"We're just adding more tools to our toolbox, utilizing personal watercraft to get out there faster and get the victims out of trouble much quicker," said Dixon.
While this may all be practice officials say it's all about preparing for the real thing. "So when they get that call their proficient enough to get out there and get back to get the victim," said Dixon.
