Surface Support for Water Rescue and Recovery

[aquagunn]

I am searching for protocols and/or directives from any fire departments who provide surface support. The Red Cross has a Basic Water Rescue program that is adequate for some basic level safety, but I was wondering what other departments have already done for standard "water safety" training for those not expected to go in the water. Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

[NCRSQ751]

We put our people through the Rescue 3 Swiftwater Rescue Technician 1 class at a minimum. You have to have the training to know how to save yourself if you get into a mess. We encourage folks to go higher and pull from those people first when we have an incident. I would strongly suggest you consider such a program.

[weir33]

This is a link to the Canadian Coast Guard download site hope this is of some help http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/sar/nsm-msn/main_e.htm

[SPFDRum]

Check with Dive Rescue International, they have a class and program just for surface ops. A search for that will get you to the right page...hope this helps. Stay Safe, Mark

[dly]

This School was pretty good. Contact a Asst. Chief Jim Lopez. Tell'em Darrell sent you.

http://www.ci.south-bend.in.us/fire/inrivrescue/river.htm
dly

[FiRsqDvr45]

You mentioned "for those not expected to go in the water". Exactly the reason people get into trouble or drown, if your not expecting it and it happens you need to know what to do. Scope out www.lifesaving.com , Gerry and company teach a myriad of Water, Ice and Lifeguarding courses that may be right up your alley. I have taken all 4 of the water and ice rescue classes and will soon enroll in an instructors class.

[LHVFD]

Our department also uses Dive Rescue Int as a shore support training guide. Our F.D. people who will be assisting with gear toating to the shore or boat are required to have on a PFD if they will be within 15' of the waters edge, no exceptions. All bystanders are removed to at least 50' from waters edge by local law officers and media and familey are kept at a distance also. Hope this helps and keep dry.

[BladesRobinson]

Dive Rescue International provides a variety of training programs for water rescue and recovery teams. Most of their programs are listed online at Dive Rescue Intl - Training Programs

You should call them to see what programs are being offered in your region as some programs do not get posted on their page. If you can't find a program in your region, you might consider hosting a program. By being a host, members of your department can participate at no charge and your agency saves dollars by not having to pay travel expenses. Trevor Aronson is the person at Dive Resue Int'l who coordinates training programs and he can be reached at 1-800-248-3483. His e-mail address is: taronson@diverescueintl.com

Good Luck!