By AMBER PATINO
Firefighters with Washington County Fire Services (WCFS) headed to Boat Lake in Sunny Hills on Saturday, July 25 for hands‑on water‑rescue training. Crews practiced drownproofing and self‑rescue techniques while working in full structural firefighting gear around water.
Before entering the water, Captain Nick Moore demonstrated how to rescue a drowning victim while keeping the firefighter safe, how to cast lines of rope to pull victims to safety, and the proper use of rescue boards. Members also trained with water‑rescue kits recently placed on Engine 10 and Rescue 1.
Following Captain Moore’s briefing, firefighters entered the water for hands‑on drownproofing exercises, which teach how to safely remove gear if they fall into water while responding to incidents such as vehicle crashes in rivers.
During the training, Fire Chief Justin Barron emphasized the importance of proper technique to prevent a panicking victim from unintentionally forcing a rescuer underwater.
WCFS said the training aims to improve firefighter safety and preparedness when operating in or near water during emergency incidents.
Staff Report